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4th of 4 part series

When I started the arduous task of presenting information to all of the citizens of Atlantic Highlands and Highlands, my only goal was to give you accurate detailed information regarding the Henry Hudson Building Project. It is with this in mind, my concluding and fourth article, of my four part series, will recapture the frequently asked questions I have received during the many informational meetings throughout August and September. The questions focus on the need for the project, the cost of the project, the cost to the taxpayers, the funding, and the educational benefits for Henry Hudson students. I urge all voters to allow the information to be the guiding force behind their vote.

Thank you in advance for your support and for taking the time to exercise your constitutional right to vote.

On September 24, 2002, registered voters in Atlantic Highlands and Highlands will be asked to cast their ballots on a bond referendum that, if approved, would authorize the district to raise $ 14.6 million dollars, which will be funded in part by a $4.2 million dollars state grant.

Question:
Is the Henry Hudson Board of Education presenting a referendum to the voters?

Answer:
Yes, the date will be Tuesday, September 24, 2002. The polls will be open from 2:00 – 9:00 PM.

Question:
Why did the Board of Education choose the September 24, 2002 date?

Answer:
By law there are only four permissible dates for a school referendum: September, December, January, and March. The September date was chosen because the Henry Hudson School District wanted to take advantage of a small window of opportunity for State funds as they are expected to be depleted by other New Jersey districts seeking the same state funds. In Monmouth County alone 18 other school districts have successfully passed referendums and have received their fund allocations.

Question:
Why does Henry Hudson School need to go to referendum at this time?

Answer:
The following identified building deficiencies must be corrected over the next 5 years:
• All classroom windows must be replaced
• All exterior doors, not complying with Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) must be replaced
• Repointing of the brick on the entire exterior and control joint installation
• Bathrooms must be made ADA compliant
• Removal of the twenty-two year old temporary mobile units as instructional space
• Kitchen must be updated to meet safety and local codes. Serving area must be ADA compliant
• Boilers must be replaced, new h/v system
• Original unit ventilators must be replaced for each classroom
• Fire and security systems must be replaced
• The overall capacity of the electrical system must be upgraded, new panels and wiring needed
• New public address and clock system needed

Question:
Why do we need more space at Henry Hudson when at one time Henry Hudson had more than 600 students in the building?

Answer:
More space is needed at Henry Hudson because of the 2002 State standards and school model for educating today’s student population. Trailers can no longer be used as instructional space. Federal and State codes set limits for educating special education students. Today, a comprehensive high school has additional specialized programs needing dedicated classrooms. In addition, the Department of Education has increased the amount of credits and scope of the courses needed for high school graduation.

Question:
Why does Henry Hudson need a new cafetorium and five additional classrooms?

Answer:
Henry Hudson needs a new cafetorium because the present one is not only undersized, but it is mechanically deficient and not up ADA requirements and State standards. In addition, with Henry Hudson’s growing population lunches would have to begin at 10:00AM to accommodate the number of students. This would have an adverse effect on the academic schedule and it would be an impractical time to have students eat lunch. Furthermore, the new cafetorium would also be used for our drama program, have an all purpose floor for basketball and cheerleading practices, and serve as a school auditorium. Currently our drama students and middle school basketball teams are bused out to alternative locations. This is not the optimum way of running programs and they become costly due to transportation. The multiple use of the cafetorium allows Henry Hudson to address the many needs of the school’s curricular and extra-curricular programs while receiving maximum funding.

The five classrooms are necessary because the mobile units must be removed. These units can no longer be used as instructional space. New classrooms will accommodate the unhoused students.

Question:
What will happen to the current cafetorium?

Answer:
The current cafetorium will be renovated to a new media center. This new media center will include a distance technology room that will allow students to take advanced placement courses and other high level courses, without the addition of new staff. Being a small school, Henry Hudson must seek alternatives to the traditional way of bringing the best academic programs to its students. This plan takes advantage of the one time offer of the state to renovate, not only the existing plant, but educational opportunities. By renovating an existing area the district will receive 40% of the actual cost of the renovation. In addition, the proximity of the new media center will allow Henry Hudson to open the media center, after school hours, to the communities it serves.

Question:
Why is the music room being expanded?

Answer:
The music room is being expanded to address the limited size and capacity of the current room. The teacher must divide his high school band into three classes in order to accommodate the students. The middle school program is so overcrowded that it is impossible to accommodate additional requests. The new music room will allow the teacher to continue to provide a quality music program while meeting the needs of the increased student population.

Question:
Is it important to pass the referendum on the first vote?

Answer:
YES. Contrary to conventional wisdom that people believe a defeat would reduce the plan and save the taxpayers money, by defeating the proposed referendum, the state of New Jersey would no longer guarantee $4.2 million dollars. If the referendum fails deficiencies must still be corrected and the possibility of loosing much needed state aid would exist. This is why 14 out of the 15 school districts in Monmouth County passed their referendums on the first vote.

Question:
Is this the first time Henry Hudson has gone to a referendum to help improve its facilities?

Answer:
YES. Henry Hudson has never asked the public for additional funds to improve its facilities. Built in 1961, Henry Hudson has maintained a clean and safe building through the normal budget process. Many of the surrounding school districts that were built after Henry Hudson have repeatedly used referendum process. Unfortunately, even with maintenance the building is in dire need of updating and renovations to meet state mandates and educational needs.

Question:
How will the reevaluation of my home impact this building project?

Answer?
Reevaluation is a municipal matter. The purpose of reevaluation is to bring all properties up to current fair market value. The property itself does not raise more taxes, but rather equalizes the value of homes and businesses. Some property owners pay more, some pay less and some pay the same. The overall taxes collected remains constant.

Question:
How much will this actually cost the taxpayer?

Answer:
The project cost is $14.6 million dollars.
The local share: $10.4 million dollars.
State Share: $4.2 million dollars.

Average annual increase for $100,000 house:
Atlantic Highlands= $131.61
Highlands= $143.59

These numbers are based on a 4.75 interest rate over a 25 year period. Although the rates are currently lower than the 4.75 it is important that Henry Hudson quotes a greater increase with a possible reduction to the taxpayer than to quote the rate at the current level with a possible increase to the taxpayer.

Question:
What is the future for Henry Hudson if the referendum does not pass?

Answer:
If the referendum does not pass the following are some of the possibilities:
• The state could mandate the renovations and correction of the deficiencies with less funding. This would correct the deficiencies but leave Henry Hudson an inferior educational facility.
• Mobile units must be removed and without adding space it would be impossible to run a middle school/high school program in the facility.
• High school students from Atlantic Highlands and Highlands may be forced to regionalize with a surrounding district. This may or may not include Middletown or Keansburg.
• The values of a home are correlated to the quality of education provided by the local school district. If the referendum is defeated, the ability to provide a quality education will surely suffer, as will property values in the community.

Question:
How much will this impact the senior citizens in our communities?

Answer:
New Jersey’s Department of Taxation has historically run a program that enable senior citizens and the disabled to receive property tax relief in the form of reimbursements. The program will protect the senior citizen and disabled from the tax increases that result due to the approval of the school referendum. For more information about the Property Tax Reimbursement program, citizens can visit the NJ Division of taxation website at www.state.nj.us/treasury/taxation or call the hotline number at 1-800-882-6597.

Question:
How can I get more information on the referendum?

Answer:
Citizens who want more information on the upcoming referendum should:
• Visit the district’s web-site at www.hhrs.us 
• Call the referendum information hot line that has been established at the district’s office. Questions will be answered as quickly as possible. The hotline number is 732-872-0900 Press 1 ext. 80.
• Attend the public meetings.
• Look for information that will be sent home through the mail.
• Check local newspapers.
• Request a presentation for you or your group by calling the district’s hotline, 732-872-0900 Press 1 ext. 80.

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POOP PATROL Don't waste time. We'll clean up after your dog. LEARN MORE 732-872-2027

Yards and sidewalks cleaned weekly.  Let our team make your life easier.  We are responsible Atlantic Highlands students and guarantee satisfaction.  We can accept Atlantic Highlands business or residential clients only.  Prep your yard for mowing!

Call Cranston at 732-872-2027

LINCROFT, NJ  —  Brookdale's International Center and Office of Student Activities announces visiting Tibetan monks of the Namgyal Monastery Institute of Buddhist Studies will be creating a sand mandala in the Center for the Visual Arts Gallery (CVA) beginning October 29 at 10:00 A.M. to 4:00 P.M. through November 1. Parking lots #1 and 2 are most convenient.

The monks are cultural ambassadors from the exiled personal monastery of His Holiness the Dalai Lama in Dharamsala, India.  They will lecture on the spiritual significance of the mandala, a Buddhist symbol of the universe.

The mystical tantric art of sand mandalas is a part of secret initiation ceremonies of Buddhist monks and nuns.  Display of the artwork is offered as a means to preserve the Tibetan culture.  Viewing of the mandala is believed to have a positive effect on all who see it. 

The viewing of the Brookdale sand mandala is free and open to the public.  School and community groups are welcome.  For additional lecture and viewing information, contact the International Center at 732-224-2799 or e-mail to aflood@brookdalecc.edu.

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HAVE A PRESS RELEASE?

Want your organization to be seen by 20,000 people in Northern Monmouth County?   EVERY WEEK ?!

The AHHerald has been publishing online press releases, including photos,  from local organizations weekly via email, usenet newsgroups and on the world wide web for more then 3 years.  We can give your business or group the exposure it deserves for less than $100.

For more details on getting your business release published here contact Allan at:
allan@ahherald.com or by phone at 732-872-1957.

FARMINGDALE/HOWELL, NJ  —   September 2002 (HHS Rebels) - The Howell High School Class of 1977 Reunion Committee seeks over 330 alumni to return to the Shore area and attend their 25th anniversary celebration this November, 2002, during Thanksgiving weekend.

A silver anniversary buffet dinner will be held at the Freehold Gardens Hotel & Conference Center, Hwy 537 & Gibson Place, Freehold NJ 07728, from 6-10 PM on Friday, 29 November 2002. Each’77 Rebel veteran and an adult guest are invited.

For $55 each, alumni and guests will enjoy a hot buffet dinner, 1-hour open bar (cocktail hour), group picture and memory book of the event. Advance reservations are required and may be made by mailing a check for $55 per person made payable to "Pam Namowitz/HHS77", 436 Cook Road, Jackson NJ 08527. For more information, email Howell77HS@aol.com or phone Susan Dipasquale Fagioli at 732-914-1407.

According to committee member Michael Krueger, planning has been in the works for over a year. "The committee is really excited about reaching everyone and getting as many people to attend—it’s been terrific to help out and plan this get-together," he reported.

Howell HS Class of 1977 Reunion Committee
c/o Susan DiPasquale Fagioli
2062 Whitesville Road, Toms River, NJ 08755
Telephone 732-914-1407
Email: Howell77HS@aol.com
http://pages.prodigy.net/dtritt71688/index.html

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TUCKERTON, NJ —   Twelve months after receiving a petition from the Biodiversity Legal Foundation and James R. Chambers, the National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) announced today that listing the white marlin under the Endangered Species Act (ESA) is not warranted.

The ESA defines an endangered species "as any species which is in danger of extinction throughout all or a significant portion of its range." It is unlawful for any person in the U.S. to take any endangered species. The term "take" means to "harass, harm, pursue, hunt, shoot, wound, kill, trap, capture, collect or to attempt to engage in any such conduct."

The Recreational Fishing Alliance (RFA) took the position that while conservation for white marlin is necessary, a listing under the ESA is totally unwarranted considering recreational fishermen are releasing 98% of all billfish caught and there is a ban on possession of Atlantic white marlin aboard U.S. commercial vessels. Such a listing could have lead to a prohibition on all fishing for white marlin as well as fishing for other species that inhabit the same areas as white marlin such as yellowfin, bigeye and bluefin tuna.

"Listing the white marlin under the ESA would have been a severe blow to recreational fishermen and the boat builders, tackle manufacturers, retailers, party and charter boat businesses, marinas and others who depend on the public's ability to access healthy fisheries," James A. Donofrio, RFA executive director said. "A number of big game tournaments could have been shut down and pelagic sport fishing as we know it could have come to an end."

The RFA waged a major campaign to prevent any draconian measures that would hurt sport fishermen. The RFA team of lobbyists spent months working with members of Congress on this issue, mobilizing individuals and industry representatives to provide NMFS with information on the status of white marlin, and pursuing alternative conservation measures for white marlin.

Dr. Bill Hogarth, NOAA Fisheries assistant administrator, and other members of the Bush Administration were very receptive to the RFA's concerns about listing the white marlin under the ESA. "We can't say enough about Dr. Hogarth and other members of the Bush Administration for their reasonable and thorough analysis of this issue and for hearing our concerns."

Scientists estimate that the current stock size of Atlantic white marlin is at approximately 15 percent of carrying capacity and declining. In pursuing alternative conservation measures, the RFA took the lead and hired a legal team to file a petition for rulemaking with NMFS to enforce regulations already in place that require conservation measures for white marlin. This RFA petition is pushing NMFS to address white marlin bycatch in the pelagic drift longline fishery through reasonable time and area closures. "We think there is room to work with the U.S. fleet to keep the longline gear out of the known hot spots where white marlin bycatch is high," said Donofrio.

The U.S. fishery accounts for approximately five percent of the total mortality of white marlin while the rest is caught as bycatch in international longline fisheries. Recreational and commercial fishing organizations have considered the foreign longline fleets a severe problem for years and the RFA is tackling this issue head on.

The decimation of white marlin and other pelagic fisheries is due largely to a number of foreign nations failing to comply with their obligations under the International Convention for the Conservation of Atlantic Tunas (ICCAT). As a contracting nation, the U.S. has a history of compliance with ICCAT quotas and conservation recommendations. The European Union and other contracting nations have a history of serious non-compliance with ICCAT quotas and conservation recommendations for bluefin tuna, blue and white marlin, and swordfish.

The RFA has hired Bart S. Fisher, the nation's leading expert on international trade law, to file a petition under Section 301 of the Trade Act of 1974 with the Office of the United States Trade Representative (USTR). The RFA's goal is to open an official investigation into the non-compliance with ICCAT. The acceptance of this petition by USTR will give the U.S. delegation tremendous leverage to negotiate conservation measures at the ICCAT meeting in Spain this November and could be the biggest breakthrough in the conservation of our highly migratory species in 30 years. The RFA is engaged in a massive lobbying effort to build an unprecedented coalition of recreational, commercial and environmental organizations in support of the Section 301 petition.

"This is a win-win issue for all U.S. fishermen and environmentalists. This is our chance to finally make some progress at ICCAT and achieve some real conservation for white marlin and other pelagics," said Herb Moore Jr., Director of Government Affairs.

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Council Members learn about operations of Nationally Accredited County Correctional Facility and Inmate Programs

FREEHOLD, NJ  —  Sheriff Joseph W. Oxley invited 35 residents from across Monmouth County to a comprehensive review of the capabilities and missions of the Monmouth County Correctional Institution (MCCI) during the third quarterly meeting of the Citizens Leadership Council. At the two-hour meeting, held September 3, 2002 at MCCI on Waterworks Road in Freehold, Citizens Leadership Council members learned about MCCI’s innovative "direct supervision" of inmates, inmate labor work programs, educational opportunities, religious services, counseling and volunteer programs.

"The Monmouth County Correctional Institution is a nationally accredited, maximum security, adult correctional facility with a 1,328 bed capacity," Sheriff Oxley said. "The Citizens Leadership Council members were provided an inside look at the complex operations of the 410 member staff. We’re seeking their input to ensure the Sheriff’s Office remains accountable to the residents we serve."

The third Citizens Leadership Council meeting also focused on the innovative inmate rehabilitation programs in use at the Monmouth County Correctional Institution. The programs include high school education, drug and alcohol services, and inmate farm programs and labor projects. Since January 1996, participants in the education programs available at MCCI have achieved a substantial reduction in recidivism to between 19 and 21%. Nationwide, inmates at county and state correctional facilities experience a return rate approaching 58%.

MCCI is a modern, direct supervision correctional facility where inmates live in housing units with individual sleeping facilities for up to 64 occupants. Designed in a modular, or "pod" layout, Corrections Officers can quickly move to restore order or keep an eye on potential trouble. Pods are open environments where inmates carry out their sentences. Inmates who repeatedly break rules or have confrontations with other prisoners can be easily transferred to another "pod" to assure that order is kept. Long, well-lit, well-guarded halls separate the pods. Attached to the pods is an enclosed outdoor recreation area, which permits inmates to exercise and have some fresh air. A large, thick glass wall allows Corrections Officers supervise every prisoner at all times. In addition, there is a private conference area for meetings with lawyers and corrections staff.

"The Sheriff’s Office is committed to implementing the most advanced technology and the latest training to provide the residents of Monmouth County with a nationally accredited, highly professional correctional institution," Sheriff Joseph W. Oxley said. "This is a unique opportunity to provide our residents with information and access to the inner working of this facility."

"This last meeting was the most memorable for me. The staff of the jail showed complete professionalism in every aspect of their job. They looked and acted with skilled knowledge and experience," Lester Cohen, Marlboro, Citizens Leadership Council. "I feel that the Monmouth County Correctional Institution is an institution that lives up to its mission statement."

Council members also toured the booking and intake units where individuals processed through MCCI are photographed, fingerprinted, interviewed, and receive a medical screening. Members learned how appropriate housing and supervision assignments are made for inmates through a comprehensive evaluation and objective classification process.

This is the first citizen liaison organization between residents and countywide law enforcement in the 318-year history of the Monmouth County Sheriff'’ Office. On a quarterly basis, the Sheriff’s Leadership Council will meet with Sheriff Oxley and representatives from the Lawn Enforcement, Corrections, and Communications Divisions.

"Convening this Leadership Council will help ensure that our office remains responsive to the community, providing the highest levels of law enforcement services so that Monmouth County remains a great place to live, work and raise a family," Sheriff Oxley stated. "Now more than ever, the Monmouth County Sheriff’s Office is endeavoring to involve citizens in the planning and decision making process."

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LINCROFT, NJ —  Gene Barlow, who represents two fine software companies, Power Quest Corporation and Access Data Corporation will give a presentation on their products to the Brookdale Computer User Group, Inc at their general meeting on September 20, 2002, 7:00 p.m. at Brookdale College Campus Room NAS 100.  The program is free and open to the public.

Power Quest Corporation and Access Data Corporation publish some excellent hard drive utilities. PowerQuest’s Partition Magic helps to organize data while running multiple operating systems on the same computer. Drive Image 2002 (just announced last April with many new features, including LAN support) creates and restores drive images while running in Windows. Access Data publishes hard drive security products including Secure Clean & WipeDrive.

Gene’s presentation will focus on the following topics: How to Move to Windows XP; Backing up your Hard Drive; and Securing your Hard Drive. Windows XP has gathered a lot of attention the past few months. Many users are looking for ways to move their computers to the new operating system,but aren’t sure what is the best way for them to go. Gene Barlow is an expert on hard drives and operating systems and will outline six ways that you may use to get to Windows XP. He will describe advantages and disadvantages of each approach. If you are thinking of going to Windows XP in the future, this is a presentation you will not want to miss.

Gene will bring handouts and exciting door prizes as well. “Special User Group Prices” on many of these products will be offered at the meeting and available to take home with you. It should be a super meeting.Bring a friend and don’t miss it!

For more information visit www.bcug.com

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LINCROFT, NJ —  The Brookdale Computer User Group is holding a hands on class for beginning computer users in Lincroft, New Jersey.

The classes are open to the public at no charge.

Following is the pertinent information for all interested parties:

PC Fundamentals will be Presented by the Brookdale Computer Users Group

Instruction is targeted to beginners. Subjects will include:
" How to buy a new computer
" What hardware do I need?
" What software do I need?
" An explanation of Hardware and Software
" Typing letters and memos
" Saving and printing your letters
" Doing calculations with your PC
" Drawing pictures and editing photos
" E-Mail and the Internet
" Playing Games
" Understanding the Windows Operating System

The PC Fundamentals Workshop is open to everyone. There is no charge but we encourage you to join our computer club. Dues for club membership are only $25 per year, $20 if 62 and not working.

The Workshop will consist of 6 hands on classes meeting at the Hi Tech High School, Room 180 on the Brookdale Community College Campus. The schedule is:

" Wednesday, September 25, 2002 from 7-9 PM
" Wednesday, October 23, 2002 from 7-9 PM
" Tuesday, November 26, 2002 from 7-9 PM
" Wednesday, January 22, 2003 from 7-9 PM
" Wednesday, February 26, 2003 from 7-9 PM
" Wednesday, March 26, 2003 from 7-9 PM

There are 22 computers available to help you learn, first come, first served.

For more information, go to www.bcug.com or call Dick Maybach at 732-946-8853.

MIDDLETOWN, NJ —  American Legion Post No- 338 has donated $5,000 toward the Middletown Memorial Gardens, a lasting tribute to more than 35 Middletown residents who died September 11, 2001.

"The members of American Legion Post No.338 are well-known for their dedication to the well-being and betterment of our community," said Mayor Patrick W. Parkinson. "This generous donation will help the Middletown World Trade Center Memorial Committee develop a, beautiful, tranquil place where friends and neighbors can reflect on the effect the World Trade Center tragedy has had upon the community and upon our neighbors who lost loved ones on September l1th," Parkinson added.

He noted the American Legion has donated more than $70,000 to township and local non-profit organizations in the last two years. The veteran's organization raises the money by selling raffle tickets with a state-regulated raffle machine.

The Middletown Memorial Gardens will be located adjacent to the Middletown Train station and future Cultural and Arts Center. The initial phase of the memorial features a walking path with a variety of flowers and bushes that will be maintained with an irrigation system. Individual memorials for each lost resident will be spaced along the path. The Middletown World Trade Center Memorial Committee through donated funds raised by this non-profit organization will acquire the individual memorials.

With the American Legion's donations, the WTC Memorial Committee has raised approximately $55,000. The Committee continues to seek additional. funding. One of their fundraising efforts is the sale of lapel pins that depict the Memorial Gardens' entrance for a minimum donation of $5 each.

"In addition, are very fortunate to have a group of Middletown contractors who have volunteered their services to perform site work at Middletown' Memorial Gardens at no cost," said Mayor Parkinson, who co-chairs the Memorial Committee with Committeeman Raymond. J. O'Grady.

Middletown companies who have offered to donate their services are: Frontier Fence Co., J. H. Reid., JOMAC, K. Hovanian, Najarian Associates, Pantaleo Electric, Trap Rock Industries and Stavola Contracting Co. Mr. Stephen. Kealy, Heavy and General Construction Laborers Local Union No. 472, will serve as project coordinator. Design work associated by the project has been donated by T&M Associates, said Committeeman O'Grady. It is anticipated these Middletown businesses will donate more than $150,000 in services.

For more information on contributing to the memorial fund, please call the mayor's office at (732)615-2024.

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PASTOR'S CORNER By Rev. Dr. George Hancock-Stefan Central Baptist Church Atlantic Highlands, NJ cbcbeacon@aol.com

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THE JESUS PROBLEM IN COMMUNITY EVENTS

It seems that whenever we have events in this community that are either religious, or religious in the context of a community setting, there are some people who get offended or some people who get offended because some of their friends were offended.  Events such as the one we had on September 11, 2002, or the annual Memorial Day Parade, inevitably brings someone either to the local clergy or the local boro council who is offended.

One proposed solution by the offended people is to avoid anything that is offensive in the community events.  It boils down to avoiding any mention of Jesus Christ.  One person also mentioned that one could talk about God without mentioning the name God because that might be offensive to some people.

I will seek to answer why muzzling the public forum is not the appropriate form to be taken in this community.

If one looks to this community, one can reasonably state that at least 70% are Christians - by attending a church or by belonging to a church.  I assume that the people in this category will not be offended when the name of Jesus is used in private or in the public forum.  Of the remaining 30%, I believe it is reasonable to say that about 20% are agnostics.  By definition, agnostics should not be offended because the name of Jesus is meaningless to them.  That leaves me with 10%, of which perhaps I would guess  5% are atheists and 5% are Jewish and Moslem.  To the Moslem faith, Jesus is considered one of the great prophets and to the Jewish faith, Jesus is still Jewish.  In the words of E. Schaeffer, we should never forget that Christianity is Jewish.

The AACC is the Area Association of Community Churches.  As of now we are exactly that.  We do not have a synagogue and we do not have a mosque.  On September 11, 2002, in the First Baptist Church of Red Bank, a rabbi spoke because the Greater Red Bank Area has a synagogue.  This was an interfaith service.

An interfaith service is a service in which I want to hear an Imam pray to Allah, I want a Jewish Rabbi to pray to the God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob and I want a Christian Pastor to pray in the name of Jesus Christ.

During this past Memorial Day Parade one of our students from Hudson marched by wearing her band uniform hat over her traditional Moslem hijab.  My friends who propose muzzling the name of Jesus Christ in the public arena, logically would have had to ask her to remove it because she could have offended someone.  I used her courage and her religious right in the public forum as an illustration in my next weekend’s sermon of what can happen when people understand what religious freedom is all about.  Freedom means complete expression of what one believes.  That is what Roger Williams envisioned - freedom for the Christian, Jew and atheist to express what they believe with no fear.

I also think that the local clergy are sensitive to the needs of the community.  I am very happy that some of my Jewish friends consider Central Baptist Church a place where they can pray during the major Jewish holidays.  It is a place where they can feel close to God and welcomed.  A number of years ago, when one of our families lost their son and they could not find a Buddhist monk to do the funeral service for their beloved son, we opened Central Baptist Church for that funeral service and I did the service, showing that we are one community.

The AACC is also planning an interfaith day of prayer entitled: Pray for the Peace of Jerusalem.  We are planning to have an Imam, a Rabbi and a Pastor participate as leaders in this prayer.  We feel that for all three faiths - Jewish, Christian and Moslem, the peace of Jerusalem is of great importance.

The AACC also feels that as the number of our Jewish and Moslem neighbors increases, that we as a community should facilitate a place where they can meet, and until they have a place of their own, that we should offer our sanctuaries as a place where they can gather.

I welcome comments as we are seeking to be the community where every person enjoys fully all the benefits that this area affords, not only geographically, economical and politically, but also religiously.

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BODY POLITIC by Jack Archibald, Atlantic Highlands  Council President

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NOW IT'S UP TO HHRS VOTERS

For Atlantic Highlands and Highlands, it is decision time. Next Tuesday is the vote on a $14.6 million referendum for renovation and expansion of Henry Hudson Regional High School.  The Superintendent and the Board of Education have presented their case to the public and it is now in the voter’s hands. 

To their credit, HHRS officials have gone out of their way to get information into the public hands. They have held a series of public meetings at the school and in each borough, as well as separate meetings with the leadership of both towns.  If they were to be graded on their public relations campaign, high honors would have to be given.

In a nutshell, the board has received a written promise from the state to fund $4.2 million of the improvements. Voters will decide if the taxpayer should fund the remaining $10.4 million balance. Using figures supplied by Hudson officials, that translates (on a $200,000 home) into a $286 yearly increase for Highlands taxpayers, and a $262 yearly increase for a similarly assessed home in Atlantic Highlands.  Final completion date for the work is projected to be Spring 2005. 

This is an important issue for both towns- financially as well as educationally.  One of the board’s objectives has been to provide accurate information for the public - and school officials are still available to discuss the entire referendum. If you take a powder on Tuesday’s election, your right to complain about taxes becomes that much smaller.  Elections in Highlands and Atlantic Highlands are always interesting, but neither community will be served by having the majority of voters sitting on the sidelines for this one.

Contact Jack Archibald - jcarch@msn.com 

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LEMONADE STAND By Carol Barbieri BarbieriCa@aol.com carolbarbieri.com

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THE LITTLE, BLACK $12.00 DRESS

You don’t always get what you pay for.  Sometimes you get a whole lot more.

One day this summer, I was shopping for groceries at the A & P with my sister, Marian.  I was in a rush, so I asked Marian if we could split the list in half.

“Would you mind getting the graham crackers?” I asked Marian.

“Sure,” she said.

Off Marian went.  A few minutes later, she came back with the wrong graham crackers.

“It’s the kind that comes in the red box,” I told her.  “I think they’re made BY Nabisco.”

She brought them back and came back with a red box of the wrong graham crackers.

“Not the ones with honey.  The plain ones,” I told her.

Off she went again.  She brought back still another box of the wrong graham crackers.

“I’ll go with you,” I said.

On the way to the cookie isle, a rack of clothes caught my attention.

“Did you see these dresses?” Marian asked me.  (Marian had seen them four times already, during her multiple trips for the graham crackers.)

“Wow,” I said.  “Look at that little black dress.  Isn’t it cute?”

Marian agreed. 

It was cute, but nothing special.  It was sleeveless and had big, white, geometric fish and circles on it.  It looked like the kind of dress you would wear as a beach “cover up.”

“Do they have one in a size small?” I asked Marian.  By then we were ransacking every inch of the rack.

There weren’t any in a small.

“Look for a medium, then,” I said.

We found one.

It was a little too big for me, but I was thinking of buying it anyway. 

“This would make a nice little ‘around the house’ dress,” I said.  “How much is it?”

It was only twelve bucks.  I threw the dress in my cart.

A few weeks later, I was wearing the dress around the house.  When I went outside to hang laundry on the line, my friend, Joe, who lives next door, complimented me on the dress.

“That’s a nice dress,” he said.

“Really?” I answered.  “Believe it or not, I bought it at the A & P.  It was only twelve bucks.

“No kidding,” he said.  “It looks like you paid a lot more for it.”

A few days later, my friend, Faye, (Joe’s wife) asked me about the dress.  Joe had mentioned it to her.

“Really?” I said.  “It’s just an ‘around the house’ dress.  I only paid twelve dollars for it.  I’ll go get it and show it to you.”

When I brought out the dress, Faye said, “You paid twelve dollars for that dress?  That’s unbelievable!  And you bought it at the A & P?  It looks like it came from Chico’s.”

“Are you serious?” I asked.  “Maybe I’ll start wearing it out.” 

So I did.

A few nights later, I wore it to The Seagull’s Nest.  Dave Miller was playing that night.  When Dave saw me, he said, “Carol, that’s a great dress!”

“Thank you,” I said.  Believe it or not, I bought it at the A & P for twelve bucks.

“Are you serious?” he asked.  I didn’t even know that the A & P sold clothes.”

“Well, they do!”

During the evening, three women asked me where I had bought the dress.  They were total strangers.

The next time I wore the dress, the same thing happened.  Whether I was in a checkout line, getting out of the car, or walking into a store, women everywhere were commenting on the dress and asking where I had purchased it.

“Jeez,” I said to myself.  “Maybe I should go back and get another one to put away when this one wears out.”

The amazing thing was that, even after a dozen washings, the dress looked brand new.  And I didn’t even have to iron it!  I was really getting attached to that dress.

A couple of weeks later, Faye told me that she had been to every A & P in the area, and none of them carried the dress.

“I’ll take a ride to the A & P where Marian lives and see if they have any more.”

They did.

As I was ransacking the rack again, looking for the dress in Faye’s size, an employee said to me, “Aren’t those dresses cute?  I bought one myself and I love it.”

I told her that I owned one already and that I loved mine, too. 

“I’m picking up one for my friend,” I told her.

As I was paying for the dress, the cashier said, “I love that dress!  I’m thinking of buying one.”

“You’d better hurry up,” I told her. “They’re selling like hot cakes.  I’m buying this one for my friend.  I already own one and, let me tell you, it’s a real crowd pleaser.”

Faye was so excited when I gave her the dress, you’d have thought that I just handed her the Hope Diamond.

“I can’t believe you found one for me!” she exclaimed.

“It was the last one on the rack,” I said.  “Have fun wearing it!”

Her two daughters came outside to see the dress.

“Is that the dress?” they asked.  “It’s so cute!”

When I think of all the money I’ve spent on designer dresses that never got so much as a blink, I realized that that dress had taught me a valuable lesson.  Just because an item is expensive, doesn’t mean that it’s worth the money.  On the other hand, sometimes the most inexpensive item is worth a whole lot more than you think it is. 

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DEMOCRATICALLY YOURS by Joe Caliendo Middletown Township Democrat Party Chairman

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LAWSUIT, LAWSUIT: EVERYWHERE A LAWSUIT

The rule of law is what governmental power in this country rests on.

Our nation is supposed to be one where laws and checks and balances are used to resolve disputes.  However, with that said, I think it’s a heck of a poor record that any governing body has when they live in court.

When time is marked off in a community between this lawsuit and that one, then what is being witnessed is not leadership, but the lack of leadership.

For the courts to become the de facto government of any town shows little but the incompetence of those who are duly sworn to lead a community.  And, in Middletown, that means this Township Committee, and it specifically means Mayor Pat Parkinson and his partner in bad lawmaking, Committeeman Ray O’Grady Sr.

I don’t care whose name is on the lawsuits.  The entire Township Committee is named on all of them.  Sure, Parkinson is named as a specific defendant in most of them, but O’Grady was there too.  He wasn’t at lunch or down the hall.  He was sitting on that Township Committee watching alleged abuse after alleged abuse of our government and our town coffers.

Today, as I write this, there are 15 lawsuits pending in Middletown.  With lawsuits ranging from sexual harassment to harassment at the workplace to violation of civil rights and more, I dare say that this elected Township Committee has done little else than present a leadership style that is strictly authoritarian, closed door and closed to public review.

The business of government is not about abusing the trust that lawmakers gave the elected.  Of course, that’s what’s happened.

The “Good Old Boys and Girls” Club of the GOP in Middletown doesn’t have a very big tent.  It’s exclusive.  People like Parkinson and O’Grady can get elected and treat “us little people” however they like.

Don’t believe me?

Ask the people like township employee Dawn Bennett, long-time public advocate Larry Loigman and the township’s own clerk, Rosa Garcia.

I won’t put words in their mouths.  But, I do say that every voter in Middletown should hear what these people are saying about the ‘fine men and women’ sitting on this committee – if they haven’t been intimidated or bullied into silence by the strong-arm tactics of Mayor Pat and Company.  This isn’t a secret!  I haven’t made that up:  These lawsuits are part of the public record.

If anything, I’m being tasteful about not talking about the Third World tactics being used by this collection of Republicans.

And, while you’re at it, ask about the new lawyers this township has to defend Mayor Pat and the committee for their day in court.  Many of these incidents that people are suing them over have nothing to do with their official actions on ‘the job.’  Rather, most of this nonsense that they’re being sued about all involves alleged misconduct of some kind or other.

It’s a horrible day in my hometown when I wouldn’t, when I couldn’t, leave a female member of my family alone with the mayor of the town in all good conscience.  And, Committeeman O’Grady, you know about all of these suits but have opted to remain silent, compliant and obedient to a Republican machine that you know is out of control.

That’s why you tried to get rid of the GOP bosses and that was the right thing.  But, to knuckle under to the same thing that you were fighting against all of a few minutes ago also says something about how you’re not serving the people of this township.

RUMOR HAS IT that a certain township is having problems hiding economic shortfalls for a certain public utility in the recreation budget.  As a result, ‘creative auditing’ has been called for, which may involve school funding.  The question is who the artist at the “auditing pallet” is going to be this year.

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GORDON BISHOP ON THE ISSUES by Gordon Bishop Syndicated Columnist

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‘JUDY & FRANKIE’ – PERFECT TOGETHER !

The restoration of Fort Hancock at Sandy Hook is starting to look like the “Judy & Frankie” show.

Who are Judy and Frankie, you ask?

None other than Judith Stanley Coleman and Congressman Frank Pallone.

“Judy & Frankie” are really more like the “Odd Couple” than a political side show.

Judy is a conservative Republican, as in “conservation.”

Frank Pallone is a lifetime liberal Democrat.

Judy, who chairs the Middletown Planning Board, is the woman behind the successful Monmouth Conservation Foundation. She does a great job saving open space in Monmouth. She lives on an open space tract in a lovely estate on Navesink River Road with her new husband, Jim Coleman, a former prosecutor and a real decent guy.

I’ve personally known all three as the Environment Editor/Columnist at The Star-Ledger from 1969 until I “retired” on January 1, 1996 (on my 58th birthday).

Judy asked me to be the guest speaker one year at her posh mansion during an annual meeting of the Monmouth Conservation Foundation. One of the guests was Frank Pallone, who, as a politician, stands for one thing: “A Clean Ocean.”

Aren’t we all for a clean ocean? I’ve never heard anyone ever say they are for a “dirty ocean.”

Judy and Frank have recently formed an alliance –the Republican Green Acres Queen, and the Democrat Clean Ocean King – to “save Fort Hancock from greedy developers.”

Judy and Frank don’t like the idea that a Rumson real agent who specializes in restoring historic sites around America wants to save 36 military structures at Fort Hancock from literally falling apart from decades of neglect and civic and political indifference.

In fact, Pallone, of Long Branch, wanted to “save” the Fort Hancock historic buildings six years ago.

Now he and Judy have decided the National Park Service and a prominent restoration historian are rank amateurs who don’t know what they’re doing.  What arrogance! 

Frank and Judy fashion themselves as the all-knowing gurus of Green Acres and Clean Water. After all, they’ve built a reputation on those two issues.

Frankly Frank, and jeepers Judy, you aren’t the only ones who know about conservation issues. There’s a whole world of experts and specialists out there who know as much as you do, or even more, about conservation and restoration.

And these other experts and specialists have no axe to grind. Judy and Frank, however, are deeply political involved in their causes, and they believe their way is not only the best way, but the only way?

The National Park Service folks, and historians like Jim Wassel of Rumson have formed a balanced public/private partnership to save Fort Hancock from becoming a pile of rubble.

The public Park Service and the local private historian, along with their scores of highly respected conservation/restoration experts have, collectively, hundreds of years of expertise turning threatened national historic landmarks into outstanding diverse and safe communities for everyone to enjoy.

Judy and Frank are up against a legion of highly talented and certified historian specialists who know how to make Fort Hancock work as a national treasure within the Gateway National Recreation Area.

Judy and Frank are constant contrarians, challenging the expertise and credentials of highly respected leaders by labeling the Fort Hancock project as another “Mall” in Monmouth County.

C’mon, Judy, get a grip on it. You’re using the same political propaganda as the so-called “Concerned Citizens of Middletown,” who are trying to stymie the creation of a lovely Town Square at Middletown by calling it just another “Mall.”

It’s time Judy and Frank shut down their circus side show and join the ranks of the misinformed NIMBYs (Not In My Back Yard!).

(Gordon Bishop, an author, historian and syndicated columnist, is the recipient of 12 National and 15 State Journalism Awards, including New Jersey’s first “Journalist-of-the-Year” – 1986/New Jersey Press Association.)

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TRENTON TALK by Assemblyman Steve Corodemus (R) - 11th District AsmCorodemus@njleg.state.nj.us  www.corodemus.com Political Website www.njleg.state.nj.us/html/corodem.htm Legislative Website

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CORODEMUS PROVIDES TIPS FOR NATIONAL BABY SAFETY MONTH

In honor of National Baby Safety Month, which is observed throughout the month of September, I would like to share with you some important safety tips that parents and caregivers can follow to ensure a child's safety. A child's curiosity is one of the many gifts that allow them to enjoy and explore the world. However, that same curiosity can take children into cabinets, drawers and windowsills, that can turn joy into horror. Over 3,000 children from birth to five years old, die every year in the US due to unintentional injuries. Below are several tips that are important to remember:

• Keep toddlers out of the kitchen with a safety gate when cooking or otherwise distracted;
• Store all cleansers, toothpicks, plastic bags and other hazardous items high above a child's reach in a locked cabinet:
• Never leave a young child unattended in the bath, not even for a few seconds;
• Place nonskid decals or a mat inside the tub to prevent slipping;
• Cover all electrical outlets with outlet covers, including outlets in use.

Another hidden hazard for babies can occur during their most vulnerable state: sleep.

"We usually assume that our babies are safe when they are asleep," noted Elaine Tyrrell, Consumer Product Safety Commission 's Director of Outreach. "But even the most cautious parents may not be aware of the hidden hazards that can befall their children."

A quick check list:

• Always place your baby to sleep on his or her back to reduce the risk of SIDS.
• Wherever your baby sleeps should be as safe as possible.

Babies placed on adult beds risk suffocation from several hidden hazards such as:

• Entrapment between the bed and wall.
• Entrapment involving the bed frame, headboard or footboard.
• Falls from adult beds onto piles of clothing, plastic bags, or other soft materials resulting in suffocation.
• Suffocation in soft bedding (such as pillows, thick quilts and comforters).

When using a crib, make sure it meets current safety standards, has a firm, tight-fitting mattress and tight-fitting bottom sheet. When using a portable crib or play yard, be sure to use only the mattress or pad provided by the manufacturer. According to the CPSC parents and caretakers of babies and young children need to be aware of the many potential hazards in their environment - hazards occurring through misuse of products or those involved with products that have not been well designed for use by children. They have offered a checklist to use when buying products for your baby which can be accessed on their website at www.cpsc.gov.

National Baby Safety Month is a important time that is set aside to educate parents and caregivers about the importance of child safety. Ensuring that homes and other locations are childproof is a vital first step to ensuring a child's safety.

For more information on National Baby Safety Month or other issues, log onto my website at www.corodemus.com or contact my legislative office at (732) 708-0900.

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WINDOWS ON RED BANK by Daniel Murphy, Jr. Danny's Steak House danssteaks@aol.com

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CHOOSING SIDES

This letter was sent to President Bush on the Eve of 9/11/2002.  At a time when rumors fly around the world and we do not know who is on our side and who is not, it is important to get as much information as possible so that we may best determine our course of action.  I received this letter from someone who has read my comments on 9/11 over the last year and asked if I would be interested in it.  Of course I was.

It is important that we know who the "Good Guys" in our world are.  They are the ones that will join with us to wipe out terrorism as it affects them also.  I believe this letter to be honest and fact full.  I remember a customer of mine telling me that prior to 9/11 when he traveled in Saudi Arabia that he had seen a Wanted poster for bin Laden for $5,000,000.  It was his understanding that Bin Laden was an enemy of the Royal Family of Saudi Arabia.  I pass it on to you as I received it.

Crown Prince Sends Message To America

RIYADH, Saudi Arabia, Sep 10, 2002 /PRNewswire via COMTEX/ -- As the world marks this first anniversary of the September 11 terrorist attacks, Crown Prince Abdullah of Saudi Arabia sends a message on behalf of the Saudi people to America.

In a letter conveyed to President Bush and the American people, Crown Prince Abdullah wrote:

"On the eve of the first anniversary of the terrorist attacks against the American people, I take the opportunity to renew to you and the families of the victims and indeed the entire American nation, the sincere condolences and sympathy of the Saudi people and myself. As long as I live, I shall never forget the horrible scenes of carnage, the raging fires, the smoke that covered the horizon, and the innocent people who jumped out of windows in their attempt to escape. On that fateful day, the whole world stood with the American people in unprecedented solidarity that made no distinction as to race, religion or language.

It was the perverted hope of the perpetrators of this heinous crime that they could bring humiliation to and terrorize the American nation. But the brave people of the United States of America, whose greatness lies in the strength of its brave sons and daughters in facing adversity, and which is enriched by their remarkable achievements, all of this will make them ever stronger than the designs of the evildoers. Instead of being terrorized by this catastrophe, they became more steadfast and determined.

The target of the terrorists who engineered this crime was humanity at large. They hoped that this outrageous act would incite and ignite bloody strife among different faiths and civilizations. But their evil was turned against them, for all humanity united to fight terrorism, and wise voices from all corners of the world arose to echo your declaration that terrorism has no religion or nationality; that it is pure evil, condemned and abhorred by all religions and cultures.

Mr. President:  We in Saudi Arabia felt an especially great pain at the realization that a number of young Saudi citizens had been enticed and deluded and their reasoning subverted to the degree of denying the tolerance that their religion embraced, and turning their backs on their homeland, which has always stood for understanding and moderation. They allowed themselves to be used as a tool to do great damage to Islam, a religion they espoused, and to all Muslims. They also aimed at causing considerable harm to the historic and strong relationship between the American people and the people of Saudi Arabia. I would like to make it clear that true Muslims all over the world will never allow a minority of deviant extremists to speak in the name of Islam and distort its spirit of tolerance. Your friends in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia denounced and condemned the September 11 attacks as strongly as did the American people. We, like you, are convinced that nothing can ever justify the shedding of innocent blood or the taking of lives and the terrorizing of people, regardless of whatever cause or motive. Therefore, we do not simply reiterate sincere and true condolences to the relatives of the victims, but assure all of our continued will and determination to do our utmost to combat this malignant evil and uproot it from our world.  The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia continues to stand solidly against terrorism. We shall act, independently as well as collectively, with the U.S.-led international coalition to wage a fierce and merciless war against the terrorists in order to eradicate this deadly disease that threatens all societies.

In conclusion, I would like to say to you, my dear friend, that God Almighty, in His wisdom, tests the faithful by allowing such calamities to happen. But He, in His mercy, also provides us with the will and determination, generated by faith, to enable us to transform such tragedies into great achievements, and crises that seem debilitating are transformed into opportunities for the advancement of humanity. I only hope that, with your cooperation and leadership, a new world will emerge out of the rubble of the World Trade Center: a world that is blessed by the virtues of freedom, peace, prosperity and harmony."

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SPOTLIGHT ON KEANSBURG by Patrick Pecora Keansburg Councilman

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THANKS FOR PARTICIPATING IN 9/11 MEMORIAL CEREMONY

I want to take a minute to thank every one who participated in our town’s 911 Memorial Ceremony. The turnout for the evening was fantastic. I want to thank all the residents of our town who took the time to come down to Beachway to help us all remember those tragic events of a year ago.

I did want to extend my thanks and that of my fellow council members to the members of our Police Department and to our Fire and EMS volunteers whose attendance was very much appreciated. This was as much an event to honor those police officers and volunteers who put their lives on the line every day for our community as it was to honor those who served and died a year ago. I wanted to add that if there was ever a group of people who deserved a special day all of their own it is police, firefighters and EMS workers everywhere. Maybe it is time to start a petition drive to establish just such a day in honor of all who risk their lives to keep us safe. They do so much and expect so little in return it is time we gave them more than that.

I also want to add a note of thanks to the members of American Legion Post 273 who help plan this event. They are also spearheading the collection drive for a permanent memorial at the site. A permanent carved stone memorial will be erected on the site once the funds are raised through donations. Many donations were received at the ceremony in the two designated collection cans. Checks for future donations should be made out to the American Legion Memorial Fund and mailed to American Legion Post 273, P.O. Box #581, Keansburg, New Jersey 07734.

I certainly do not want to forget to thank to the Keansburg High School band and the St. Ann’s Bell and adult choirs for providing some musical scores appropriate to the ceremony. I also want to add our thanks to all the speakers at the event and to my fellow council members for their participation.

Lastly, I would be remiss if I did not thank our towns Department of Public Works for their help and efforts to set up the site for the event and to clean it out afterwards. Whenever there is a special event or any community activity, these men from our Department of Public Works are always there to help out.

Future Events …..

I also want to take a moment here to remind everyone that our town will be holding the second annual Flea Market this Saturday 9/21 at 8 AM, vendor set up starts at 7 AM. It will be held in the large lot at the corner of Raritan and Beachway that is the same location used for the concert series. Tables are 10 dollars with the proceeds going to fund future recreational activities in our town. This is your chance to clean out those attics, basements and closets and make some spare money while doing so. Last year this event was so successful that it has been expanded this year to include a second date and that will be Saturday October 19 at the same times and in the same location.  Vendors are asked to please bring their own tables and chairs.

Additionally, during the Flea Market on Saturday 9/21 we will have representatives of the Greyhound Friends of New Jersey to provide information about the adoption of retired Greyhound Racing Dogs.    

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JOBPATH by Caroline Ceniza-Levine cenizalevine@yahoo.com  www.thinkasinc.com

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WITH 20/20 HINDSIGHT

As a recruiter and career coach, I have interviewed hundreds of people about their careers.  I always ask:  what do you wish you knew in the first year of your career that you know now?  Here are three things I wish I knew from the start that I only learned after years on the job:

Start networking now.  With the labor market becoming more competitive, networking has never been more important.  Yet, for many people, networking comes unnaturally.  The only way to learn is to practice.  Have lunch with different colleagues.  Keep in touch with people you already know.  Find mentors.  Be a mentor (perhaps to a Class of 2003 student).  As an entrepreneur in a slow economy, I still get business mainly from referrals from a deep network of people met years ago.

Focus on learning anything because everything is transferable.  If the job is selling insurance, your sales skill transfers to selling in other industries and your insurance knowledge transfers to other functions in financial services.  Every job provides an opportunity to learn something new.  These skills add up and come in handy sometimes unexpectedly.  I put myself through college with various administrative jobs.  Years later, when I joined a start-up company in a non-administrative position, my ability to do these “mundane” office tasks was quickly noticed by the founder.

Move like a dancer:  enter and exit gracefully.  Everyone you meet and every assignment you work on has the potential to lead to more opportunities.  Always do your best, and do not burn bridges behind you.  One client was unexpectedly laid off just months into his first job.  He went back to an employer whose offer he had turned down (albeit gracefully) and was re-offered the other position.

Caroline Ceniza-Levine, a resident of Little Silver, is an adjunct professor of Professional Development at Columbia University and a speaker, consultant and writer on career/life issues.  Caroline can be reached at 646-215-1527 or at her website at www.thinkasinc.com.

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NO BULL FISHING REPORT by Jay Cosgrove of Bahr's Landing Marina and Restaurant Highlands, NJ  jay@bahrs.com http://www.bahrs.com

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REPORTS OF RIVER, BAY, AND OCEAN FISHING

The big news is that the weakfish are back feeding heavy in the Raritan Reach Channel. This being the last week of the years fluke season, it might be worth the time to drift the channels in between the change of the tides when the weakfishing  seems to be best. Weakfish on worms, peanut bunker and snappers, Fluke on live killies.

Leading up to this week's Big Ed' Tuna Rodeo, the canyon is starting to produce some larger yellowfins. Jessie Stavola fished Thursday-Friday and weighed in a 100+ yellowfin.

Captain's Meeting Thursday at 7:30 Bahrs Landing Bar.
Entry $550.00 fish 2 of 3 days call Big Ed 732-291-9554.

This just in from one of my favorite contributing readers:

Anglers:            Ron McClelland
_Bait:               Live Peanut bunker
_Date:               9/9,9/10/9/11/02
_Depth:              25'-40'
_Size:               109pounds
_Water:              86
_bname:              Ron's Sport Fishing
_email:              RSFD1@aol.com
_location:           Georgetown, South Carolina
_meth:               Live Bate
_species:            Tarpon
comm:                Ron McClelland took clients, Mike Service & Howard Eastmond for a few days fishing with Capt. Mike MacDonald of Gull-R-Bouy guide service, out of Georgetown, S.C.

9/08 dawned with 10-15knot winds, making it difficult to spot the schools of bunker needed for live bait.  However perseverance paid off and enough bunker were netted to set  us up for a day of live lining.  As no action was to be had at the first one of Captain Mike secret honey holes a move was made to set up for the outgoing tide, around noon.  At 2:46pm Mike Service grabbed one of the floating bait rods just in time to set the hook on a nice size Tarpon.  After a fight of approx.. 70 minutes Mike had his fish to the boat.  This Silver King measured out at 67" L. & 36" around. The scale from THE TARPON BOOK, by Frank Sargeant, would put the weight of this fish at 109lbs.  Captain Mike says, " I know the old boy that put this scale together and the scale is a little slow."  His estimate of the fish was close to 115 lbs.  Either weight, nice fish Mike!

9/10/02 Wind blowing even stronger with gusts up to 25knots.  It was decided to go for smaller fare such as Red Drum, Grouper, Sea Trout, and Summer Flounder.  Today was Howard Eastmond's turn as he hooked fought and tagged a 22lb. Red Drum on 12lb tackle.  Way To Go Howard!

09/11/02 proved to be the nicest day of the bunch.  No problem finding plenty of bait but no Hits or runoffs of any type for the whole day.  Just a lot of good fun and joke telling.

Anybody interested in this great fishing should give me, Ron McClelland a call and I will be more than happy to set up the trip for you.

 Atlantic Highlands Harbor, Capt. Tom Buban fished the bay Thursday morning with his Atlantic Star as Stu Wang of East Brunswick boated a 5-pound fluke. Rich Silvani of Keansburg had a 7-pounder last week.

Capt. Scotty Hilliard has had consistent bluefishing at the Mud Buoy for choppers ranging from 2 to 12 pounds during magic hours trips with Prowler V. Saturday evening was tough with seas up to nine feet, but the entire fleet was there. About 50 of the better-sized blues were caught and some little tunny have returned to the area which also provides porgies and sea bass on the bottom. Saturday's fluke trip was better than that fishing had been as 47 keepers were taken off Long Island and Bob Gasior of Totowa had a 6 1/2-pounder.

Capt. Joe Occhipinti got back into the weakfish Friday from Little Hawk as the Dano Construction party from Millstone caught 61 up to 24 inches plus 28 blues that morning, while the Bansky and Snyder group from Piscataway had 28 plus blues during the afternoon trip. The Leslie Walsten charter from Morris Plains totaled 81 weaks along with blues Saturday, and Richard Dimase's party from Jersey City caught 82 Sunday.

Capt. Art Hilliard of the Eagle found very good bottom fishing Thursday for Custom Bandag Inc., especially when the northwester died out in the afternoon -- allowing him to work offshore wrecks loaded with sea bass. A few keeper fluke were added including a 5-pounder for Mike Arato of Massapequa, N.Y. Sunday's weather was much better than predicted and there was hardly any rain as a group of Plainfield postal workers had a pick of weakfish plus lots of porgies drifting in the Reach before Hilliard anchored on the edge of the channel for lots of porgies plus some weaks and croakers. They ended up with 300 porgies, 30 weaks, a few fluke and a dozen small blues as Dave Wroblewski of North Arlington took the pool with a 6-pound sea trout.

At Leonardo, Capt. Gene Nigro of the Phantom had only decent fishing for sea bass up to 1 1/2 pounds Friday at Scotland for the Thomas Rose party, but found better conditions there Saturday and the Union County Bridge Dept. had steady action all day with John Pisano taking the largest at 2 pounds.

http://www.bahrs.com/weekfisrep.html
Visit Jay's No Bull Fishing Website

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LEGALLY SPEAKING by Rich Marcolus, Esq. Levinson Axelrod Attorneys at Law

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COLLECTION NOTICES

Collection notices are sent by creditors to debtors in order to notify the debtor that unless the debt is satisfied, further legal proceedings will follow. Fortunately, there are certain rules that must be followed by creditors before they can either obtain a Judgment or tarnish the credit rating of the debtor. For example, if the debt arises out of a bill that is the subject of a pending workers’ compensation claim, the creditor must stop all collection proceedings until the case is resolved. Likewise all collection proceedings must stop if a debtor has filed for protection under Bankruptcy laws.

Before a debtor answers any collection notices a consultation with an attorney is advisable especially if the debtor alleges that the bill is the responsibility of another party or challenges the basis of the debt.

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LOCAL TRIVIA By Allan Dean AHHerald Publisher View Archive

HOW WELL DO YOU KNOW MONMOUTH COUNTY

This Week's Question:

Q. Colts Neck was the principal village of what former Township?

If you have not won in the last 30 days and you know the answer, send your response to trivia@ahherald.com along with your name and the town where you live.  Be the first person to respond with the correct answer and we will publish your name and the town where you live and we'll send you a certificate good for a free pizza at Bel Vesuvio's Italian Restaurant, First Avenue in Atlantic Highlands, NJ.  (You must arrange your own transportation - sorry Australian readers.)  Only those responses received on, or after, the date above will be accepted. The winner will be announced in next week's issue.

Last Week's Question:

Q:  According to the 2000 U.S. census, what is the total population of Monmouth County?

Larry Russell of Atlantic Highlands was the first to respond with the correct answer to last week's question.

A. 615,301

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Self Storage, Climate-Controlled Available sizes from 5' X 10' - 10' X 20'

Atlantic Self-Storage West Avenue and W. Highland Avenue Atlantic Highlands, NJ (732) 291-2034

Visit Our Website

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OLD OAK TRAIL by Joe Reynolds AH Environmental Commission Member

mini-autobiography

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HOW ABOUT SOME BEACH PLUM JELLY?

Yum, yum. My mouth waters every time I think of fresh beach plum jelly. For you see, autumn is the time of year when natives of the Jersey Shore start exploring their favorite seaside area for beach plum (Prunus maritima) plants. After picking thousands of ripe plums, they return home to start the task of making beach plum jelly. With their favorite recipe in hand, they make the tasty treat to in time retail at local stores or to give away as holiday gifts.

Since the prehistoric era, North Atlantic coastal Indians have gathered the fruit for their subsistence. Along with some fish, clams, and blueberries, the beach plum must have made a pleasing meal. With the arrival of Europeans in the seventeenth century, the fruit began being collected from the wild for the production of jellies, wines, and preserves. This activity increased into the 1920s when the depression led many Jersey Shore people to subsist off the natural resources. In addition to hunting, claming and fishing, harvesting beach plums for jelly production was a practice people did to survive. Nevertheless, with a thriving US economy in the 1950s, interest in beach plum jelly production waned. The wild fruit continues today, however, as a viable local enterprise among coastal communities along the North Atlantic Ocean.

The beach plum is a native shrub to the coastal sand dunes of the Atlantic Ocean and pineland regions, from Newfoundland to North Carolina. The plant thrives during droughts, and in soils with low nutrients and high salt levels.

You first might notice the beach plum plant in the spring. The shrub (which can grow up to 7-feet and in dense stands) has a flamboyant spring flower display of white blossoms and glossy green leaves. It is perhaps the most noticeable bush in bloom at Sandy Hook in April and May.

Yet, the fruit of this shrub garners the most attention by people. The plums are small and turn from green to red and blue-black when fully ripe. Starting in early September, beach plums begin to ripe for the picking. During certain years the fruit can be so luscious that I have been know to pick a cluster of plums right off the branch at various sandy locations and eat them raw for a savory snack.

Of course, humans are not the only species that enjoy beach plums. The fruit is also an important part of the diet of many shore birds and small mammals. So don’t be a glutton, save some berries this autumn for all species to enjoy. They are as close as your nearest beach. Naturally, the more coastal areas we preserve along the Jersey Shore, the more plums there will be for everyone!

Happy picking and save some jelly for me!

sosap2002@comcast.net
contact Joe Reynolds

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POOP PATROL Don't waste time. We'll clean up after your dog. LEARN MORE 732-872-2027

Yards and sidewalks cleaned weekly.  Let our team make your life easier.  We are responsible Atlantic Highlands students and guarantee satisfaction.  We can accept Atlantic Highlands business or residential clients only.  Prep your yard for mowing!

Call Cranston at 732-872-2027

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LEND - A - HAND Volunteer Center of Monmouth County (732) 728-1927

***NOTE NEW ADDRESS***

The Volunteer Center of Monmouth County, (732) 728-1927, offers hundreds of unique volunteer opportunities.  The Center is now located at 1900 Highway 35, Oakhurst, NJ, and is open Monday through Friday from 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

See Volunteer Opportunities
../lend_a_hand/index.html

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POETS' LAIR by Area Poets

View Archive

SUMMER - AND BEYOND

Birds sing for their breakfast
    as dawn drops in.

A snail
        travails
                    along a maize of green.

Pine needles trespass on lawns
    too hot to care.

Radio voices vocalize,
        "A 3-H day -
                hazy, hot, humid."

Breathless beauty of a bridge
    seen from under a beach umbrella.

Shades cover eyes,
    #45 covers body.

Sunsets at eight.

Summer slips
                slowly
                            away.

The ocean roars;
    a signal to spew forth

The Season of Color.

GILDA KREUTER

../poet/2002/pl020919_summer_beyond.htm
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(editors note: Do you have poetry to share? Send your submission to editor@ahherald.com.)

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PICTURE THIS!

Click the image to see a larger picture.

../picture_this/2002/pt_020919.htm  or click here

Picture This! We'll show you a photo each week and you tell us where in Monmouth County that photo was taken.  If you have not won in the last 30 days and you know the answer, send your response to trivia@ahherald.com along with your name and the town where you live.  Be the first person to respond with the correct answer and we will publish your name and the town where you live. Only those responses received on, or after, the date above will be accepted.

Can you identify the location from this photo taken in Monmouth County, NJ? 
Send your answer along with your name and town where you live to: editor@ahherald.com

Last Week's Picture This! Answer

Cheryl Flesch of Atlantic Highlands was the first person to correctly identify this location last week. A:  Bixby Professional Building, First Avenue, Atlantic Highlands at the intersection of Center Avenue and First Avenue.

../picture_this/2002/pt_020912.htm

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READER'S WRITE

The AH Herald provides this space for community commentary on issues of local importance.   The extended format of our Readers Write page will remind many of the Op-Ed pages in print newspapers. We hope you find the information compelling and informative. If you have something to say about a LOCAL issue, send your comments, along with your name, street address and daytime phone number to: editor@ahherald.com

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PRECIOUS OPEN SPACE NEEDED - NOT FRIVOLOUS MALL

This is in response to the letter from Mike Gallagher supporting the town center mall project. Mr. Gallagher clearly has a personal, financial interest in the mall, one that precludes the vast damage it will do to Middletown overall. His argument is based on the same tired, trite mantra that implies the people of Middletown are virtual nomads wandering aimlessly through life searching for a place to give meaning to their existence. To support his assertion, Mr. Gallagher incredibly points to his former restaurant, Redheads as a social hub that "helped fill a void in the community: the lack of a meeting place for people to gather." An informal poll taken by this writer failed to uncover anyone who fondly remembers the date of this pivotal moment in Middletown's history, nor as Redheads being anything more than a fine restaurant. Excellent onion soup? Yes. Community center? Absolutely not! Seriously, the unprecedented outpouring of generosity, support and unity in the wake of the attacks of 9/11 shows the remarkable character of Middletown. To suggest that a frivolous mall is needed to unite this community is to grossly insult each and every citizen of this marvelous township.

If Mr. Gallagher, as he proposed in his letter, is concerned about redeveloping Route 35, I recommend looking into the myriad available storefronts and office space that already exist. Why must precious open space be sacrificed for yet another mall that is neither needed, nor wanted, particularly one that will dwarf the nearby Monmouth Mall? It is time to end the laughable notion that Middletown needs this mall, when in reality, it DESPERATELY needs what is already on the site. Open space, a precious, dwindling commodity, is the only thing that will truly serve the present and future needs of Middletown, and that is what will unite the township as a whole, not another mega mall.

Gerry Scharfenberger, RPA
Vice-president
Concerned Citizens of Middletown

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OPEN LETTER TO REVEREND McGRAIL

Dear Reverend McGrail,

I'm sorry to say that your letter in the Sept 12 issue of the Atlantic Highlands Herald, a follow up to your Sept 5 letter, and probably a response to my letter, misses the mark.

I do not believe I misread your letter of September 5. You said the people of Highlands have a "Hitler Syndrome" You compared Highlands to Keansburg, as if Highlands is suffering from the same racial tensions and crime that Keansburg is. You started the letter stating that Mayor O'Neil should be going to Sensitivity Training with the Mayor of Keansburg.

Here is some sensitivity training for you:

1) When you use inflammatory language and make accusations, people cannot hear your otherwise positive message.

2) Your September 12 letter is an example of your own insensitivity. It is a justification of the mistake you made, without accepting responsibility for your gaff. When your message isn't heard as you intended, it is not because your readers or listeners misinterpreted what you said. It is because you did not communicate effectively. (Read # 1 above again).

3) There is no such thing as a person of diversity. There are only different kinds of people. Diversity already exists in our community. It also exists in Keansburg. You don't need to teach or preach diversity..it is a given. We are all different.

4) I think what you are trying to bring forth is tolerance, which would lead to acceptance, which would lead to harmony, among diverse people This is an admirable goal consistent with the words of Jesus 2000 years ago.

However, You are in your own way. You say you will not tolerate racism. You cannot convert what you will not tolerate. If you want to bring forth tolerance, you must first embrace intolerance.

I could write volumes flushing out all of what I've said above. However, I don't have time to do so, and I don't think it's necessary. If you stop justifying, you will hear the whole truth in what I am quickly summarizing.

I close this letter as I did my last....Get to work Rev. McGrail.

Art Gallagher
Highlands, NJ

../readers_write/2002/020919_sensitivity.htm  
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  WAR IS JUST A RACKET

We are being primed for another war of aggression against Iraq, a nation that had nothing to do with the 9-11 attacks, while we are still at war with Afghanistan, another nation that never did a thing against us.

The Hawks promoting this are Bush, Cheney, Perle, Wolfowitz, Fleisher, Rumsfeld, and Ashcroft, to name a few. All managed to avoid service in either Korea or Vietnam. These are veritable Chickenhawks.

We must keep the lesson of Gen. S. Butler USMC, recipient of 2 Congressional Medals of Honor, in mind before we waste more lives, and make more enemies.

"War is just a racket. A racket is best described, I believe, as something that is not what it seems to the majority of people. Only a small inside group knows what it is about. It is conducted for the benefit of the very few at the expense of the masses.

I believe in adequate defense at the coastline and nothing else. If a nation comes over here to fight, then we'll fight.

The trouble with America is that when the dollar only earns 6 percent over here, then it gets restless and goes overseas to get 100 percent. Then the flag follows the dollar and the soldiers follow the flag.

I wouldn't go to war again as I have done to protect some lousy investment of the bankers. There are only two things we should fight for. One is the defense of our homes and the other is the Bill of Rights. War for any other reason is simply a racket.

There isn't a trick in the racketeering bag that the military gang is blind to. It has its "finger men" to point out enemies, its "muscle men" to destroy enemies, its "brain men" to plan war preparations, and a "Big Boss" Super-Nationalistic-Capitalism.

It may seem odd for me, a military man to adopt such a comparison. Truthfulness compels me to. I spent thirty- three years and four months in active military service as a member of this country's most agile military force, the Marine Corps. I served in all commissioned ranks from Second Lieutenant to Major-General. And during that period, I spent most of my time being a high class muscle- man for Big Business, for Wall Street and for the Bankers. In short, I was a racketeer, a gangster for capitalism.

I suspected I was just part of a racket at the time. Now I am sure of it. Like all the members of the military profession, I never had a thought of my own until I left the service.

My mental faculties remained in suspended animation while I obeyed the orders of higher-ups. This is typical with everyone in the military service.

I helped make Mexico, especially Tampico, safe for American oil interests in 1914. I helped make Haiti and Cuba a decent place for the National City Bank boys to collect revenues in.

I helped in the raping of half a dozen Central American republics for the benefits of Wall Street. The record of racketeering is long. I helped purify Nicaragua for the international banking house of Brown Brothers in 1909-1912 (where have I heard that name before?). I brought light to the Dominican Republic for American sugar interests in 1916. In China I helped to see to it that Standard Oil went its way unmolested.

During those years, I had, as the boys in the back room would say, a swell racket. Looking back on it, I feel that I could have given Al Capone a few hints. The best he could do was to operate his racket in three districts. I operated on three continents."

Sound familiar? Think about it.

Ed Toner LCDR USNR (Ret)
Brick NJ

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  9/11, IRAQ AND THE CLINTON WHITEHOUSE

I believe that the 9/11 attack on the United States would not have happened had the United Nations and the Clinton White House acted responsibly and forced Iraq to abide by the Gulf War cease fire agreement.  Since the UN and the Clintons let Iraq get away with defying the treaty, the wrong message was conveyed to all terrorists around the world ever since.  The message is "If Iraq can defy the UN and the US with no consequences, so can others."

Furthermore, any intelligence failures by the CIA and the FBI pale to insignificance when compared to the failure of the UN and the Clinton White House to deal effectively with Iraq.

Had the UN and the Clinton administration acted responsibly when they could have and should have, the Iraq issue would not be where it is today and 9/11 would just be like any other day in 2001.

Edward W. Rummel
Short Hills, NJ

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  PUT A BINDING REFERENDUM ON TOWN SQUARE BEFORE THE VOTERS

As the Chairman of the Binding Referendum Petition Drive to place the question of the proposed Town Center/Square up for a public vote, I am pleased that over eight thousand registered voters of Middletown have signed our petitions. This is not enough unfortunately to make the November Ballot. We are going to continue and complete the task as the response from all over Middletown has been terrific!

Fortunately, Middletown's special government charter allows for either the Township Committee to vote in the proposal or for a special election which still allows us to gather the signatures and call for one of the options once the 11,000 signatures are gathered and verified. I am pleased that the Township Attorney has now publicly concurred with us on this procedure.

We ran into obstacles this summer that could not be overcome in our effort to get this question on the November ballot. We had a heat wave which limited the door to door activities, we had a major storm which forced many of our volunteers to reduce their efforts with us in order to clean up fallen trees and debris from the storm which also left many people without power for days, and we had summer vacations. Then there was the despicable act of interference by the Developer, Assemblyman Joseph Azzolina, who contacted the Chairman of the Board of Pathmark Supermarkets and called in a political favor which led to the Supermarket revoking our privileges to gather signatures in front of their store. We encountered the same results at Shop Rite.  Imagine that! Stop and Shop has been very cooperative.

In spite of these obstacles we still managed to gather 8,000 (eight thousand) signatures from every section of Middletown. Thank you to all who helped! I guess that ends the NIMBY or "not in my back yard" argument Azzolina keeps using in his weekly gossip tabloid.

Eight thousand registered voters is more than enough to change an election in Middletown. If just those people vote for Independent Patrick Short, who is on the November ballot, instead of the regular pro-development candidates in the major parties Short will win. The Township Committee will have to wake up or loose another seat next year since we intend to follow this through to the political end as well.

The real test for Mayor Parkinson and the Committee will be when the eleven thousand signatures are presented prior to the November election. At that point they have to decide whether to postpone implementing their own open space referendum which they can do since theirs is Non-Binding, and allow ours to move forward for a vote. Or move forward with their Tax increase which just goes in the general kitty to buy what ever property they see fit to purchase. If they pass their ordinance after the election they may invalidate our petition because of the language we were forced to use as a Binding Referendum Question. The Mayor claims they were not attempting to interfere with our efforts so here is his chance to prove it. If Parkinson and O'Grady do not support us in keeping the petition valid for the voters to decide this issue, that they legally have no say in, then we know the "Fix is in from the beginning," as Manuel Blasco stated so well in a recent editorial.

Ask all of the candidates where they stand when they come to your door. Ask them what they have done to help get the required number of signatures to let you decide the issue. Both the Republicans and Democrats have been absent from the effort. Placing two Non-Binding Referendum Questions on the ballot has confused the voters and helps Azzolina buy time to get his approvals making the property too expensive to buy.

Both the County Freeholders and The Township introducing Open Space referendum questions at the same time as ours is mysteriously convenient since either group can raise the money without referendums. We can't. Is the "Fix In"? I believe so.

As a former Township Committeeman I know what can and can't be done. This seems to bother both Azzolina and the local political parties. Together, we will gather the required signatures and end this issue in the only way left for us to do so. More Volunteers are needed and petitions are available at www.Middletownfirst.com.  Don't worry about the return date in the instructions just get the signatures in as soon as possible.

I want to say thank you to the many people who sent cards and words of encouragement over the vicious personal attacks on me and my family by Azzolina and his tabloid. The truth always surfaces and knowing that so many people see through the charade helps. Lets not forget that the Azzolina paper is geared to deceive the public about the need for another Mall and to promote Republicans in the Bayshore. If the Republicans and Democrats are silent about his tactics they must support his positions and we should all vote accordingly. If you are unhappy about his tactics, write the businesses who financially support his tabloid and tell them how you feel. Nothing changes the direction the media goes more than a decline in financial support.

Lets finish the job and get this Binding Referendum on the next possible election even if it has to be a special election in the next few months!

Joe McGrath
Petition Committee Chairman
Middletown, NJ 07748

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A.H. PARENTS NEED TO EDUCATE THEMSELVES FOR THE SAKE OF THEIR CHILDREN’S EDUCATION

In the near future the residents of the Borough’s of Atlantic Highlands and Highlands will be faced with the decision to support the funding of the much-needed improvements to the local school facilities.  Having served on the Ad-Hoc Committee for the prospective improvements to the Elementary School, one thing I have learned is the critical importance of doing one’s own homework rather than letting someone else do it for you. 

Last week, Eric J. Goldring, Esquire, wrote yet another letter aimed at attacking the proposed school improvements - this time at Henry Hudson.   He throws around numbers, dollar amounts and percentages.  I am not familiar enough with the Henry Hudson project to dispute any of these numbers.  However, I am very familiar with the A.H. Elementary School proposal, which Mr. Goldring also bad-mouths.  Mr. Goldring’s points with respect to the elementary school would be best described as “twisted”.  Therefore I suspect that he has probably done the same with the Henry Hudson proposal. 

I was at the ONE meeting (A.H. Elementary Ad-Hoc) to which Mr. Goldring refers.  Despite his behavior at that meeting being largely rude, arrogant and bordering on childish (he would threaten to leave whenever he did not get his way), many of the professionals and Ad-Hoc committee members took the time to address his points.  Either Mr. Goldring did not hear the answers or chose not to hear them.   I suspect the latter.

Mr. Goldring, like most other opponents who seem to have gone out of their way to disseminate misinformation, do not have kids in the public school system.   Rather, at no doubt substantial expense, his child attends private school like many others who want what they perceive to be the best for their own children and who can afford it.  The same goes for some of our local politicians who were quick to “poison the well” when it came to the land acquisition. Maybe they do not want their school portion of their taxes to go up because they to receive no benefit.  Maybe in the case of the politicians, tax increases do not bode well for incumbent politicians. What their real motivations are I don’t know.  However, I am suspect when presumably intelligent people distort even the most simple facts. 

My point being that if you want the best for your own kids, you are going to need good, accurate information. The closer you can get to the actual sources of this information (i.e. public meeting, school tours, etc.) the better.  If you don’t have the time or inclination to do this and feel you need to rely on someone else’s presentation of the facts, at very least, make sure those on whom you rely have your children’s interests at heart.

Briefly, addressing Mr. Goldring’s points with what you would have heard and what Mr. Goldring chose not to hear at the Ad-Hoc meeting to which he referred was the following:  Why now? - Because the state is offering matching funds, on a one-time first come, first serve basis, to bring the schools into compliance with current standards.  Interest rates, are lower than they have been in 20 years making this ideal time to finance needed improvements with bond issues. 

Also, if we don’t make these improvements now, we may be forced to do it in the future at substantially greater expense.   Why have our school facilities become overcrowded and inadequate?  - Because even the best maintained buildings become old and their systems outdated regardless of how well they are kept up.  Furthermore, standards have changed dramatically over the years.  Like older cars without set belts, what was adequate then is not adequate now.  Are the needs of and burdens of taxpayers being considered? – I don’t think there was one single individual on the Ad-Hoc committee who was unconcerned about costs resulting in tax increases.  They were all residents who will be just as affected as everyone else.  

Did poor planning lead up to where we are now?  - Yes, if you believe that the planners in the 1940’s, 50’s and 60’s had the information available from their respective crystal balls to see how demographics, technology and standards would change in the 1990’ and 2000’s.  How would you like to have been the one in 1959 trying to convince the planners that they should consider providing access for Internet cabling and locations for wireless antennas.   Three, 5, 8 or 10 years from now, when we are forced by the state or some lawsuit to spend dramatically more money for a fraction of the improvements, will Mr. Goldring be the one decrying that the planners should have planned better and made the improvements when interest rates were cheap and the state was offering “free” money to make the improvements? 

If you want to an informed decision on this most critical issue, don’t take my word, Mr. Goldrings’, our local politician’s word or anyone else’s’ for that matter.  Take every available opportunity to get information directly from the respective sources.  If you feel you must rely on someone else to provide you with information or to decipher it for you, at very least, make sure that their interests coincide with your own. Mr. Goldring and others like him are going to watch out for their own best interests – not yours.   If you fall prey to his or others “misinformation”  the “joke” might just be on you at the expense of your own children.

Ed Mahoney
Atlantic Highlands

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HENRY HUDSON PLAN - DO IT NOW!  DO IT RIGHT!

Last week I wrote raising a number of concerns regarding the Henry Hudson school referendum. 

I must compliment Brian A. Zychowski on all of the information he provided at the September 17, 2002 public meeting, including hand-outs with relatively detailed information and, more importantly, a strong working knowledge of the necessary and applicable programs and requirements coupled with a plan which shows foresight, restraint and concern for ALL students and our general population.  In other words, he presented a well reasoned proposal that is neither overreaching nor skewed towards any particular "pet projects" or sector of the student body.  And he did this with an eye towards OUR community.

To be sure, Mr. Zychowski's enthusiasm prevents him from taking all the credit due him...and it is contagious.  And that enthusiasm is for ALL of our students and our community.  That is, in my opinion, why he has been so open and forthcoming (though the incredibly short time frame in which to decide this issue is far too short).

That being said, I remain very disturbed over the many years of neglect and lack of foresight...and the mess it has left our community with.  We do not have a school that is near adequate and the students and teachers have suffered as a result.  While in "the best of all possible worlds" a new middle/high school is what is needed, the dollars and space requirements simply do not reasonably permit this (possibly $25-$30,000,000?). 

Nor, would it seem, is having our children attend Middletown or Keansburg schools because of the issues of cost and creating yet another overcrowding situation. (As a former longtime resident of Sea Bright, I know the disaster of the tax burden caused by its membership in Shore Regional.)  Honestly, though, more research on this should option have been done.

 

This leaves us with either addressing the blatant and serious defects now or addressing them later.  I have had a number of discussions with local residents about similar issues facing our town in relation to other infrastructure-type items which have not been addressed over the past few decades.  It seems to be a combination of the years of omission coming to a head coupled with a shocking rise in property values (and, therefore, change our economic demographics) that is driving much of this.  Unfortunately, our lower income and senior residents are caught in a terrible situation and, to be sure, many probably will be forced to significantly modify their lifestyles or, worse, have to move out of town. The State's senior citizen tax abatement aside, there does not seem to be an answer which is fair to anyone. (Do the children suffer for the foreseeable future?  Do the seniors/lower income suffer now? Do the taxpayers in five years suffer more because of increased costs and less State aid?).  I guess this is the price decades of failures costs us all. 

 

As a side note, I wish to point out that for everything that is right about the HHRS proposal, it underscores the AHES proposal's deficiencies.  While HHRS is open and freely distributes the plans and budgetary items, Dr. Wallauer refuses to allow even the members of the "ad hoc" committee to retain copies of same (thereby preventing any discussions or consideration of alternatives outside of her presence).  HHRS presented a plan which shows foresight and restraint while AHES presents a plan which has "visions of grandeur".  HHRS's plan is focused on ALL of our students, while AHES's plan is biased towards a small minority of our students.  HHRS's design takes into account the needs of ALL of our community, while AHES's design has no "realistic" public purpose incorporated.  HHRS has focused on OUR community, while AHES focuses on importing students from other communities.  And...AHES has arrogantly ignored the community's rejection of its plan. AHES's referendum is, however, for another day.

 

In the end, the answer on the HHRS referendum...now that the facts are relatively known...is, well, relatively easy (if painful):  Do it now.  Do it right.  Do it in an economically feasible (i.e. with State Aid) manner.  It is a bitter pill to swallow, but swallow it we must.  I am truly fearful of the tax burden this referendum will have on my family.  With the revaluation, this referendum and the Elementary School debacle facing us,  the uncertainty is ominous. 

 

But we cannot sit on the fence on the HHRS Referendum.  All that will happen if we do is that we will rip our proverbial pants.

 

Eric J. Goldring, Esquire 
Atlantic Highlands, NJ

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PUBLIC NOTICES, ANNOUNCEMENTS, EVENTS and COUPONS

P L E A S E   T E L L   T H E M   Y O U   S A W   I T    I N   T H E   H E R A L D

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Public Notices:
Borough of Atlantic Highlands  

OFFICIAL WEBSITE
http://www.ah-nj.com

PUBLIC NOTICES AND ORDINANCES
../atlantichighlands/public_notices/index.html

________________________________

CONTACTS
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Return to the AHHerald Index

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AREA ANNOUNCEMENTS:

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Come Join Us For Food, Fun,
and Meet The Republican Candidates!
Jack Archibald & Emily Smith
at the Chicken and Ribs Dinner
Eat in or Take Out!
Saturday, September 21, 2002
Atlantic Highlands Fireman's Field House
Avenue C and West Washington Avenue
4:00pm to 8:00pm
$20.00 Adults - $10.00 Children
See Steve O'Brien, Jane Frotton, or Cindy Fligor for tickets or call 732-291-9102

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Henry Hudson Regional School Referendum

HIGHLANDS - ATLANTIC HIGHLANDS

VOTE SEPTEMBER 24

POLLS OPEN 2-9 p.m.

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POINTS TO PONDER:

"The most important thing in communication is to hear what isn't being said."
- Peter F. Drucker

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CLASSIFIEDS:
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HELP WANTED

ADVERTISING SALES  - PT/ FT - Atlantic Highlands Herald
-----------5 people needed immediately----------
Flexible Hours - Exciting opportunity to get in on the ground floor of a growing LOCAL company. Must have professional attitude and pleasant phone voice. Should be a reader of the AHHerald. Earn $300-$400 per week part-time. LOCALLY Computer experience preferred. Send resume to: editor@ahherald.com.  For more information call Allan at (732) 872-1957.

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See Classified Ads at:
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The AHHerald reaches 25,000 LOCAL readers each week.
Have a classified?  Garage Sale?  Announce it here.  
$6 - 1st ten words, $.40 each additional word. FREE color accents. 
Town name included FREE.  Plus we'll include a FREE link to your personal website.
Why travel? -  You can get it locally!
For advertising info Call Allan at 872-1957 or  Send email to sales@ahherald.com

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EVENTS:
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Visit our NEW EVENTS CALENDAR for all the area events. 

Send your events news to events@ahherald.com 
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CLUBS AND ORGANIZATIONS

For a complete listing of area clubs, and organizations click here:
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MERCHANT MART
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Animal Waste Management
../ads/poop_patrol.htm - Poop Patrol

Computer Training
../ads/coupadean.htm  - ADean Web Tutoring 

Hardware
http://www.jbshardware.com - Jaspan Bros. Hardware

Restaurant
../bel_vesuvios  - Bel Vesuvio's Ristorante Italiano & Pizzeria

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Get your listing in Merchant Mart - $50/month (includes free webpage) - Call Allan (732) 872-1957

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