 |
ATLANTIC HIGHLANDS HERALD
|
 |
||
|
||||
| ||||||||
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
by ALLAN DEAN Atlantic Highlands Herald Body Politic columnist, Jack Archibald, was scheduled to be a guest panelist last weekend on News 12 New Jersey's Reporter's Roundtable. He appeared on the program earlier this month and taped a show Friday, May 23 for broadcast on the weekend. The AHHerald has been invited on the news program four times this year. Moderated by Walt Kane, investigative reporter for News 12 New Jersey's I Team, the panel Friday included News 12 Reporter John Bathke. Unfortunately, the show was not broadcast over the weekend as planned. The management at News 12 New Jersey received a complaint late Friday afternoon from an Atlantic Highlands Democrat party leader about Jack's appearance on the show based on his holding, and running for, local public office - although on the statewide broadcast he was representing the AHHerald as a journalist. Jack Archibald has been columnist for the AHHerald since August 2000. He is also a councilman in Atlantic Highlands, NJ and is, this year, running for Mayor of that municipality of 5000 people. I have been assured by the producer of Friday's taping that at no time did Jack use the show as a means of furthering his agenda or political aspirations. The panel of journalists discussed topics of current interest: Whitman's return to New Jersey, deadly roads in New Jersey, domestic surveillance, and the elevated terror threat level. It is an harsh reality that we live in such a litigious society and the broadcasters are under no obligation to risk a lawsuit from local political forces with their own personal agenda. However, one must question the journalistic judgment that sacrifices free speech for the sake of expediency. It is sad that the views of any individual should be stifled, but it is especially sad that someone like Jack, who holds a bachelor's degree in Journalism and Government from Lehigh University, is barred from sharing his insight regarding news of the day. Jack has a firm grasp of national, state and regional issues. He has represented the Atlantic Highlands Herald on the cable news program in the past, and has done so admirably. I believe the AHHerald has a reputation as a pioneer in providing information on the internet in an honest and forthright manner. We have been a forum for various ideas of local and global importance in our 4 years of sharing. It saddens me deeply to see any of our voices silenced. We are not talking about a candidate for local office. We are talking about a journalist who is silenced because he is running for local office. Is it really paradoxical that journalists - especially columnists - should have a political point of view? It has been my experience that both journalists and politicians hold opinions. It is, perhaps, for that reason that many of the columnists in the AHHerald hold elective office, (Patrick Pecora, Keansburg Councilman; Rich Marcolus, Henry Hudson School Board; Jack Archibald, Atlantic Highlands Councilman; Steve Corodemus, NJ Assemblyman) or are involved as political leaders ( Joe Caliendo, Municipal Chair Middletown Democrats) or serve their communities as public officials (Joe Reynolds, Atlantic Highlands Environmental Commission, Dr. Martha Wallauer, Atlantic Highlands Superintendent of Schools.) One's free speech should not be so easily jeopardized, especially for so petty an offense as being a candidate. The NJ Supreme Court in discussing the issue of equal access on the State financed New Jersey Broadcasting Authority (NJN) wrote in MARILYN ARONS v. NEW JERSEY NETWORK, STATE OF NEW JERSEY, According to the Court, [t]he touchstone is basic fairness, and the Authority is to have substantial discretion to determine what is fair in light of its journalistic judgment. This discretion is to be even wider in the case of newscasts, news interviews, news documentaries and coverage of news events. A candidate wishing to challenge the Authority's coverage of a gubernatorial campaign will be required to prove that the Authority's coverage, examined over the entire course of the campaign, has been or threatens to be unreasonably imbalanced. Furthermore, Regulations posted on the NJ Election Commission website states: Any cost incurred in covering or carrying a news story, commentary, or editorial by any broadcasting station, newspaper, magazine, or other periodical publication is not an expenditure, unless the facility is owned or controlled by a candidate committee, joint candidates committee, political committee, continuing political committee, political party committee, or legislative leadership committee in which case the cost for a news story which represents a bona fide news account communicated in a publication of general circulation or on a licensed broadcasting facility, and which is part of a general pattern of campaign-related news accounts which give reasonably equal coverage to all opposing candidates in the circulation or listening areas, is not an expenditure. Even it it were a matter of equal time for political candidates, it seems clear that the private corporation, News 12 New Jersey, covers several candidates from several political parties during an election cycle and thus that "general pattern" would have covered the "equal coverage" base. So who really loses? It is just one voice. But the next voice silenced by political forces could be yours. And who will speak for you? By silencing any one of our voices, we diminish all of our voices.
../news/2003/0529/my_desk_silenced.htm
SEA BRIGHT, NJ — C. Read Murphy, with regret, filed notice of his withdrawal from the June 3, 2003 Primary Election as the Republican candidate for Mayor. Residency requirements render him presently ineligible for municipal office in Sea Bright. However, due to the timing of the receipt of his notification, the ballot preparation process had been concluded and Mr. Murphy is listed as the candidate on the ballot. The Sea Bright Republican Organization will therefore file the replacement candidate for Mayor on June 4, 2003.
../news/2003/0529/murphy_withdraws.htm
HIGHLANDS/ATLANTIC HIGHLANDS, NJ — Residents lined Bay Avenue on a rainy Saturday, May 24, to watch a parade of veterans, firemen, and the Henry Hudson Regional School marching band travel from Veterans Memorial Park to Huddy Park for a Memorial Service.Members of the Highlands V.F.W. Post #6902, American Legion Twin Lights Post #143, and Ladies Auxiliary, Islin V.F.W., Neptune American Legion Post #266, and Calvary Troopers followed Grand Marshall, Freeholder Ted Narozanick in the parade. Boy and Girl Scouts, Brownies and Cubs were followed by Highlands Fire Department, Police and First Aid. A memorial service was held at Huddy Park. Rev. Martin McGrail of New Life Christian Church gave the invocation. Ed Kwik, a life-long resident of Highlands and past state commander of the V.F.W. who served aboard the USS Monrovia during WWII read the names of Highlands fallen heroes as members of the Ladies Auxiliary laid paper poppies at the base of the monument honoring the dead: Eugene Arnath, Kenneth Furey, John M. Geene, George K. Hauber, Ernest L. King, Robert S. Matthews, William H. Matthews, Edward Minor, Lewis Mount, Samuel Parker, Michael O. Patterson, Willard Robertson, Charles Rugg, John Ryan, LeRoy Smith, and Edward G. Tomlinson. As the rain came down harder Mr. Kwik continued, "War did not stop either, when it rained," he said. Father Dan Gowen, pastor of Our Lady of Perpetual Help, gave the benediction. The gathering of 30 or so people that remained for the service were invited to the V.F.W. Hall to enjoy refreshments and a meal of delicious chowder, hotdogs and hamburgers. Click images to see larger photos
ATLANTIC HIGHLANDS The rain continued through most of the weekend. The Memorial Day parade planned for Atlantic Highlands was altered Monday. The C. Eugene Allen American Legion Post 141 hosted the parade of veterans from the harbor to the elementary school. Atlantic Highlands Fire Department members followed behind in fire trucks. A few people stood in the rain to watch the parade pass Borough Hall, but there was a standing room only crowd in the school gym. Mr. Bernard Frotton was the master of ceremonies at the memorial service. He has organized the event for the past 25 years. Rev. Dr. Henry P. Davis, Jr. Pastor of St. Paul Baptist Church gave the invocation. Wreaths were presented at the memorial by the American Legion, Atlantic Highalnds Fire Department and Ladies Auxiliary in memory of Atlantic Highlands Veterans David Bashaw, Edward Johnson, James Brady, John Joy, Paul Brunig, James Latta, Bruce Cowden, William McLaughlin, John Daly, Corval Mosley, Edward Finnegan, John Pape, John Gallagher and Ralph Ricciardelli. Father Bob Tynski, of St. Agnes Roman Catholic Church gave the benediction. Also present were Atlantic Highlands Cub Scout Pack 22
Mayor Michael Harmon introduced Carl Brunig, the great-nephew of WWI soldier, Paul Brunig who was killed in action in Chambrai, France.
../news/2003/0529/memorial_day.htm
MIDDLETOWN, NJ — Cone-On-The-Cob, Cone-stipation, and Cone-diments are among the creative themes used by residents, business owners and community groups to decorate scores of construction cones as part of Cone-struction 2003, Middletown’s second annual sculpture decorating contest.
The event is co-sponsored by the MTCAC and the township's Parks and Recreation Department. More than 1,000 people attend the award-winning annual festival each year. Free parking is available at the Middletown Train Station.
../news/2003/0529/cone_struction_arts.htm
RED BANK, NJ — After the huge success of the Tiki themed Holiday Lights Fundraiser last year, Red Bank RiverCenter has decided to dig out our Hawaiian t-shirts and grass skirts again this year for the 2nd Annual Tiki Party Holiday Lights Fundraiser! So dust off that Ventures album and start warming up for the limbo contest because Red Bank has gone Tiki crazy!Red Bank RiverCenter and the Arts & Antique District are partnering to present the Red Bank “Tiki Party” Fundraiser, Thursday, June 19, from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. at the Red Bank Elks Lodge, 40 W. Front Street. Riverview Medical Center is the Big Kahuna title sponsor for the Tiki Party Fundraiser and Shrewsbury State Bank is a supporting Tiki Torch sponsor. Stormin’ Norman and Steel Breeze will be performing, outrageous Red Bank merchandise and restaurant gift certificates will be auctioned, and a barbeque menu will prevail as attendees enjoy views of the beautiful Navesink River from the patio oasis of the Elks Lodge. Tickets are $30. A cash bar will offer $1 beers and glasses of wine for $1.50. Call RiverCenter now at 732-842-4244 because tickets are limited!! No tickets will be sold at the door. Auction tickets will be available for $2 each and the restaurant “Dinner for Two” spinning wheel will require a minimum contribution of $10, making this a fundraiser easy on the wallet. Funds will go toward installation, removal, repairing and purchasing new Holiday decorations for the downtown and the Arts & Antique District. This year, RiverCenter intends to purchase additional lighting for the new and improved Monmouth Street! So bring friends, family and fun people to our little island style shindig on the Navesink! Members of the Red Bank Tiki Party Task Force include: Samantha Bowers, Philip J. Bowers & Co.; Rose Ciaburri, Navesink House; Mary DeMont, Barbizon of Red Bank; Michael Warmington, Ansorge Unlimited; Jack & Liz Readie; Amy Dunfee, Red Bank Chocolate Shoppe; Chris McKenna; Pat McKenna, G106.3; Patti Siciliano, Funk & Standard; Nicole Caivano Wilson, Mustillo’s; Elaine Sourlis, Arts & Antique District; Leo Zeik; Leonardo’s Jewelers and Harriet Cook and Tricia Rumola of RiverCenter.
../news/2003/0529/rbrc_tiki_party.htm
PORT MONMOUTH, NJ — Start the official first day of summer this year by exploring part of the beautiful Bayshore region of Monmouth County. Join a Park Naturalist from the Monmouth County Park System as we explore the water and land at the Bayshore Waterfront Park in Port Monmouth along Raritan Bay. Participants will have fun seeing the diversity of life at the Bayshore on the first day of summer. Through hands-on activities, such as seining, we will have an enjoyable time observing the sights and sounds of the beach and salt marsh in this coastal habitat. The program involves lots of interactions with animals, plants, and water. Wear old clothes, sneakers, and bug spray. The program is from 10am until noon on Saturday, June 21, 2003. All ages are invited, but people under 18 need to be accompanied by an adult. The cost is $7 per family. Please register early! To register for this program, call (732) 842-4000, Ext. 1. Please have the program # I8832A ready, along with your Visa or MasterCard. The Bayshore Waterfront Park is located in Port Monmouth, on Port Monmouth Road. It is easily accessible from Highway 36 and Exit 117 from the Garden State Parkway. For more information about this program, please contact Joe Reynolds, Park Naturalist, at (732) 751-9453.
../news/2003/0529/mcps_bayshore_summer.htm
RED BANK, NJ – Monmouth County Audubon, a local chapter of the National Audubon Society, is offering the Audubon Adventures kit to 5th grade classroom teachers for the 2003 - 2004 school year. This program is an environmental curriculum supplement that has connected nearly eight million children throughout the United States to the natural world and all of its wonders since 1984. The kit is available free of charge to participating teachers, courtesy of the Monmouth County Audubon Society. In October of the school year, participating classrooms receive a teacher's guide and four issues (32 copies of each issue) of an attractive and informative newspaper for the students to take home. The program is aligned with National Language Arts and Science standards and can be easily adapted to a wide variety of curricula. Teachers will also receive information on two participatory events - the Great Backyard Bird Count and BirdLife International's :"Save the Birds" contest. Teachers who are not already members of the National Audubon Society will receive a free annual membership. To enroll, contact Linda Zucaro (732) 922-3708 or e-mail chickazeze@aol.com. New participants must enroll before June 27, 2003 for the 2003 - 2004 school year. The Monmouth County Audubon Society, a chapter of the National Audubon Society, is dedicated to the enjoyment and study of nature, wildlife conservation, habitat protection and education. Meetings are held the second Wednesday of each month September through May at Trinity Episcopal Church, White Street in Red Bank; guest speakers address a wide variety of nature-related topics, and refreshments are provided. In addition, the group sponsors at least one field trip per month, and members receive The Osprey, the club's bi-monthly newsletter. Further information can be obtained by calling the organization's hotline, (732) USA-BIRD, by visiting their Website at http://www.monmouthaudubon.org, or via e-mail at mcas01@bellatlantic.net.
../news/2003/0529/mcas_adventure_kits.htm
Helps Governor unveil Cabinet for Children NEW BRUNSWICK, NJ — In recognition of her record as a social worker, public policy leader, director and commissioner, as well as her record of excellence in caring for people, the Rutgers’ School of Social Work honored Human Services Commissioner Gwendolyn L. Harris with the 2003 Public Policy Leadership Award at its 10th Annual Special Awards Dinner on Monday, May 19, 2003. She appeared with Governor Jim McGreevey, who unveiled his Cabinet for Children plan earlier in the evening. “As Commissioner Harris embarks on her monumental task of transforming child protective services across the state, we wanted to recognize her life history of helping people,” said the Dean of the School of Social Work, Mary Edna Davidson, who presented the award. Davidson created the Public Policy Leadership Award in 2001, to recognize achievement in the area of public policy in the child welfare sector. Last year Davidson gave the first award to Senator Wayne Bryant (D-Camden), who authored the Family CAP Legislation, which established that welfare benefits cover only the current number of children in a family, and not children conceived after a parent has gone on welfare. Upon receiving her award, Commissioner Harris addressed the graduating social workers about the plans for transforming child protective services across the state and called upon them to help her. She also introduced her new Special Deputy Commissioner for Child Protective Services, Colleen Maguire. “It was an honor to have her speak to my graduates, who were extremely inspired by her challenges to them. Besides her record of excellent service to people, Commissioner Harris’ public policy is so open and visionary, I think she will inspire many more professionals to go into the child welfare system,” said Dean Davidson. As one of many initiatives established by Dean Davidson for the School of Social Work, this ceremony was created to celebrate social workers in a more personal way than the huge Rutgers University graduation ceremony. This year’s graduates, receiving bachelor’s and master’s degrees in social work, were from all of the University’s campuses – Camden, Livingston/New Brunswick and Newark. Most of the graduates majored in “direct practice,” with the largest concentration of study having been on children and families. About 50 of the graduates concentrated on administration, policy and planning, with others majoring in health, mental health and aging. The average age of the undergraduate completing studies in social work at Rutgers is 26; the average age of the graduate student is 35. The age range of the graduates is 22-62. Most of the graduates already are working and have experience in the human services field. Some work for the Division of Youth and Family Services (DYFS), others work for private, not-for-profit or for-profit agencies. Many have administrative or supervisory jobs. Under Title 4E of the Social Security Act, if a state university has a Master of Social Work program and partners with its state government, it receives a 3 to 1 match in dollars to pay for its state social workers to earn their MSW degrees. This year about 165 have graduated Rutgers with an MSW, so many of those in the audience were Commissioner Harris’ state employees under the 4E program. Others in the audience plan to spend at least two years working with DYFS. “It was an historic evening, with me as the first African-American woman dean of the School of Social Work giving this leadership award to the first African-American female Commissioner of the Department of Human Services,” said Dean Davidson.
../news/2003/0529/dhs_harris_awarded.htm
TRENTON, NJ — Calling together members of the New Jersey Highway Safety Task Force, Transportation Commissioner Jack Lettiere today discussed the recent fatal accidents along the I-78 corridor and announced $500,000 in increased funding to begin installation of 500 “Safety First” awareness signs along all New Jersey highways, beginning with I-78. The meeting was held in response to the Memorial Day weekend motorist fatalities along the I-78 corridor. “This is an unacceptable way to begin the summer season,” said Lettiere. “The Department is committed to every possible method of ensuring the safety of motorists traveling on New Jersey’s highways. I believe that driver awareness is a key element in keeping roads safe.” The new “Safety First” signs, installed over the next year, will include several different messages such as Buckle Up, Keep Your Distance and the successful #77 State Police safety hotline, which is used to report erratic or aggressive driving. Since the statewide installation of 30 hotline signs, the New Jersey State Police have experienced a positive response, including a 260% increase in calls to report unsafe drivers in a 12-month period. Sign installation will begin on I-78 within the next two weeks. Commissioner Lettiere also announced that he would review an expansion of the 100-mile median barrier program, which is already underway. NJDOT committed to a $15 million installation of 100 miles of median barriers over the next three to five years. To date, the I-78 corridor in Whitehouse and the I-80 corridor in Roxbury have been completed. In addition to increased signage around the state, Lettiere ordered several other mediums, including Variable Message Systems (VMS), Highway Advisory Radio (HAR), and the NJDOT web page and printed materials, to be used immediately to promote “Safety First” messages. Commissioner Lettiere also asked that Task Force members coordinate with each of their respective organizations to maximize the highway safety outreach efforts. “While enhanced highway safety measures and increased enforcement are a necessity, it is imperative that we also encourage motorists to drive safely on our roadways and report those who may be endangering the lives of others,” said Lettiere. Over the last seven months, the Department of Transportation has taken the lead on a number of new initiatives such as identifying “Safe Corridors” and establishing Safety Impact Teams to investigate necessary improvements, allocating $20 million for engineering and technological improvements, adding 500 miles of raised pavement reflectors over the next two years, recording driver safety public safety announcements, and expanding driver education programs. The New Jersey Highway Safety Task Force consists of representatives from the New Jersey Division of Highway Traffic Safety, the New Jersey State Police, the Federal Highway Administration, the Federal Motor Carrier Administration, AAA – New Jersey, the New Jersey Motor Trucks Association and the New Jersey Division of the National Motorists Association. Also joining in today’s conference call were representatives of the Hunterdon County Prosecutor’s Office.
../news/2003/0529/njdot_safety_first_signs.htm
../news/2003/0529/bcc_stars_awarded.htm
RED BANK, NJ — The Red bank Elks Lodge 233 will host their annual Flag Day Celebration on Saturday June 14th, 2003 at 6:00 p.m. at Riverside Gardens Park (next door to the lodge at 40 West front St, Red Bank, NJ.) Attend the history of our flag. If the weather doesn't cooperate it will be held in the Elks lodge under the direction of Dick Kapps, PER. For more information call (732) 741-9771. ../news/2003/0529/rb_elks_flag_day.htm PRINT THIS ARTICLE 
RED BANK, NJ — On June 10, 2003, Merrill Lynch will have a ceremony commemorating the 25th anniversary of Merrill Lynch’s branch opening in Red Bank. There will be a ribbon-cutting ceremony at 4:00 followed by a reception. Several former managers and long-time employees will be in attendance. Twenty-five years ago, Merrill Lynch was the first national brokerage house to establish an office in Red Bank. Until then, most of the investors in Monmouth and Ocean counties had to have their accounts in offices in New York, Newark, Philadelphia or other distant locations. Gerald J. McDavitt opened the office at its original location at 1 Harding Road on June 3, 1978. He presided over the ribbon-cutting ceremony that was attended by Merrill Lynch’s former Chairman Roger Birk and former Red Bank Mayor, Frank McKenna. In 1981, due largely to the success of the Cash Management Accounts, considered one of the greatest innovations in financial services, Merrill moved again to 3 Harding Road. Merrill Lynch’s success in Red Bank drew many financial services firms to town. In the early nineties, Merrill Lynch had to make a decision. With many stores boarded along Broad Street, Red Bank had become less desirable as the location of Merrill Lynch’s Monmouth and Ocean counties headquarters. As many other brokerage firms fled to the suburbs, former Resident Vice President, Lawrence W. Roberts, made the decision to work with Red Bank’s municipal government headed by Mayor Edward McKenna and stay in Red Bank. In February of 1992, Mr. Roberts, Mayor. McKenna, Michael Botte and Thomas Rasmussen formally opened the current office at 77 Broad Street. Christopher T. Dupuy, Managing Director Red Bank & Associates, expressed his pride in Merrill Lynch’s long tenure in Red Bank and the mutual benefit Red Bank and Merrill Lynch have derived from it. “Merrill Lynch’s tradition of bringing Wall Street to Main Street is well illustrated through our partnership with the town of Red Bank and our surrounding communities. We are all quite proud to be recognized for having contributed to the tremendous resurgence of prosperity in Red Bank.”
../news/2003/0529/merrill_lynch_aniv.htm
Eight-Year Undergraduate Medical School Program Prepares Future Physicians for the 21st Century WEST LONG BRANCH, NJ — Monmouth University today announced that Fiori Alite from the Academy of Allied Heath and Science, Rajesh Gupta of Vineland High School, Sadaf Kazmi of Freehold Regional High School and Preethi Pirlamarla from the Academy of Allied Health and Science have all been accepted into the Monmouth Medical Center Scholars Program at Monmouth University. The Monmouth Medical Scholars Program is a highly competitive program that under the direction of Dr. James Mack, Professor of Biology and Dr. Datta Naik, Graduate School Dean, works in conjunction with Monmouth Medical Center and Drexel University College of Medicine. The program is designed for students who have excelled academically and wish to enter the medical disciplines of family medicine, general internal medicine or pediatrics. Four students are selected into this prestigious program each year. Upon successful completion of the Monmouth University undergraduate degree program, the four students will be granted admission to the Drexel University College of Medicine where they will complete their medical degrees.
../news/2003/0529/mu_medical_prg.htm
NEPTUNE, NJ — Sheriff Oxley, nurse educators from Jersey Shore Medical Center, and local students took part in an official unveiling ceremony of over 200 winning posters as part of a bicycle helmet safety campaign. As part of a partnership between the Sheriff’s Office, Jersey Shore Medical Center and the Brain Injury Association of New Jersey (BIANJ), fifth grade students at six participating schools took part in a creative writing and art poster contest. Over 250 students received free bicycle helmets for creative submissions. The unveiling ceremony took place at the Jersey Shore Medical Center, Neptune, on Friday, May 23rd at 11 a.m. Steven Littleson, President of Jersey Shore Medical Center, welcomed 14 student ambassadors who were presented with certificates of appreciation. Sheriff Oxley thanked the students for brightening the hallways of his office with the creative, colorful posters and essays. In August of 2002, Sheriff Oxley announced the launch of the helmet safety program at the Annual Monmouth County Fair in Freehold. The partnership includes safety brochures, school presentations, and the distribution of free bicycle helmets. The Sheriff’s Office is creating a dedicated Web page at www.sheriffoxley.com. The essay and poster contest is titled: “Our heroes wear helmets; You should too.” Winning essays and posters will be displayed online. The school presentations took place at the following locations: · On March 10th, the program launched at Ramtown School in Howell. “Brain injury is the leading cause of death in bicycle crashes and the leading cause of disability among survivors. If our heroes -- law enforcement and firefighters -- wear helmets as part of their profession, surely we can all follow their example when riding a bicycle,” said Sheriff Joseph W. Oxley. “Helmets can prevent up to 90 percent of brain injuries. Bicycle helmets are not just a good idea, but are the law for children under the age of 14.” BIANJ is a statewide membership organization dedicated to providing education, outreach, prevention, advocacy and support services to all persons affected by brain injury and to the general public. Everyday in the United States of America, one child dies from bicycle related trauma, and an additional 50 are injured. Over 500,000 Americans suffer from bicycle-related injuries each year. According to the BIANJ, 350,000 of those injured are children. “Now that spring is approaching, you will see many children and adults bicycling. This is why it is the right time of the year for the Brain Injury Association of New Jersey, Inc. and the Monmouth County Sheriff’s Office to work together and teach helmet safety,” said Jill Schulman of BIANJ. “People must realize brain injury, unlike a broken bone, can last forever.” For more information, contact Monmouth County Sheriff Joseph W. Oxley at (732) 294-5901 or log onto www.sheriffoxley.com. For more information on brain injuries, visit www.bianj.org.
../news/2003/0529/helmut_safety.htm
by ALLAN DEAN ATLANTIC HIGHLANDS, NJ — The Borough Council last night approved a $2.5 million bond ordinance which will allow the Harbor Commission some flexibility to negotiate the acqusition of two parcels at the harbor west of First Avenue. The lots are currently being used as parking and boat storage. Many Mind Creek runs through the lot furthest West, owned by the Guiliani brothers. Mr. Hess owns the old stone pier and parking area from about where bike trail crosses First Avenue. The Hess parcel adjoins First Avenue. Hess has said he intends to develop the parcel and is currently exploring grants that might help him build a ferry terminal which he would rent to SeaStreak. Mayor Michael Harmon said Hess has been "talking about developing the area for more than a decade." The town is prepared to take the property by eminent domain, but would prefer to make the transaction one in which the buyer and seller are willing participants. Currently, the town uses Hess' lot for parking in lieu of taxes. The town hopes to acquire both properties with the $2.5 million ordinance approved tonight. The town is not in debt, and won't be until they sell bonds. The bond ordinance permits the Harbor to bond that amount. The debt would be self-liquidating as the Harbor would have revenue from parking or passenger fees and leases on improvements like a ferry terminal. If the town does acquire the properties through the Harbor Commission, taxpayers would not be paying the debt, according to Harbor Commission Chairwoman Jane Frotton. Revenue from parking or passenger fees and leases on improvements like a ferry terminal would pay down the debt.
../news/2003/0529/ah_harbor_bond.htm
by ALLAN DEAN ATLANTIC HIGHLANDS, NJ — The Borough Council last night approved a 5 year lease with (3) five- year extension options for the luncheonette and upstairs restaurant at the Atlantic Highlands Harbor in a 3-2 vote.Pete's on the Bay is history, according to the Harbor Commission Chairwoman Jane Frotton. The Bait and Tackle shop is on a separate lease with Pete Crosta. The new tenants are called Bayshore Restaurant Group (BRG) and are comprised of three restaurateurs and construction people from Staten Island. They separately own restaurants in Staten Island and Lower Manhattan. The BRG was one of about 50 companies that received a Request For Proposal (RFP) early last year when the Commission distributed them. About 9 bidders submitted proposals. BRG had, in advance, purchased liens totaling $115,000 on all the equipment in the former Fishtales and the y will purchase $30,000 of equipment to upgrade the luncheonette. Attorney Leahy stressed that BRG was the high bidder for the space. The group will pay about $19 per square foot on the rental with rate increases of 4% per year. The new general manager is the former executive chef at Windows on the World. The luncheonette will remain open and the restaurant upstairs will be reopened. It is presumed by the Harbor Commission attorney, Mr. Leahy, that the restaurant will have American/Seafood cuisine. Pete Crosta, the former long-term tenant, and the Harbor Commission have been in court over several issues, not the least of which was failure to pay rent on time for the luncheonette. He had a 5 year rent abatement on the second floor addition, which expired August 2002. That, coupled with the rent on the outdoor storage, brought the total rent up from $4000 per month to $16,000 per month. Pete Crosta still operates the bait and tackle shop in the same building and is a tenant in good standing on that lease according to Leahy. Councilmen Charles F. Niles II and John C. Archibald, Jr. voted no on the lease. Mr. Niles said after the meeting that he was not satisfied that the deal was the best that the Harbor could have obtained. Mr. Archibald said that he would have liked to have seen a greater security deposit and he was not satisfied with the rent abatement BRG will receive over a short period of months. Voting in favor of the lease were Councilwoman Kim Spatola, and Councilmen Louis Fligor and Fredrick Rast III. Councilman Steve O'Brien was absent.
../news/2003/0529/ah_harbor_petes_lease.htm
by ALLAN DEAN ATLANTIC HIGHLANDS, NJ — The fast combat support ship USNS ARCTIC returned to port Friday at Naval Weapons Station Earle.The ship, returning from the Mediterranean Sea, was part of the USS Roosevelt battle group which participated in Operation Iraqi Freedom. USNS ARCTIC, a 754 feet long support vessel, was responsible for supplying other ships and carriers with food and and fuel, as well as ammunition. The ship's 170 civilian and 70 military personnel had been working in the Mediterranean since January.
USNS MOUNT BAKER, a 564 ft long ammunition ship arrived at NWS Earle on Thusday. Both Ships are attached to Military Sealift Command Naval Fleet Auxiliary Force.
../news/2003/0529/arctic_returns.htm
ALTRUISM AND JUSTICE At the height of Michael Jordan’s career with the Chicago Bulls, one journalist calculated how much the Bulls were paying Michael for each step that he took on the basketball court during a game. It came somewhere near triple the minimum salary that a worker receiving the minimum salary would get per hour. Two weeks ago we witnessed another demonstration in Trenton by those involved in the medical profession. The APP article mentioned that close to 4,000 doctors, nurses and medical assistants rallied at the Statehouse. Some of the comments made by the doctors threatened elimination of the politicians who did not support their demands. Dr. Ron Bochner of Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital was quoted as saying: “Every voter in this state passes through a doctor’s office. We are going to become a significant force in November. If they push us, we will show them how dedicated and unified we can be when fighting for our patients.” Yet, as one talks with patients, there is no swelling of support for the medical profession. In fact, most people feel that what is happening is a battle between two groups that are known for their high earnings – doctors and lawyers. When one considers all the expenses of a medical education and malpractice insurance costs, a doctor is still left with a pretty good salary at the end of the year. About five years ago I was called to translate during a court case in North Jersey. There were doctors, lawyers and translators. The whole procedure took less than 15 minutes. I filed the papers for my compensation and said to the secretary that I cannot believe that I was paid so much. The secretary laughed and said: “You should see how much the lawyers and the doctors are charging for their 15 minutes!” Yet, both professions have noble foundations. A decision to follow a medical profession involves high altruism and willingness to help humanity. I think that each one of us has stories of how we were blessed by a good doctor or a good nurse. The same thing happened with the legal profession. This was a call to make sure that the society was guided by justice. Yet something happened to these noble professions when they ascended into the high levels of income. When I worked in the Midwest I knew a number of young people who wanted to study medicine and who are now doctors. I am sorry to report that altruism and a concern for the healing of the sick were at the bottom of their lists of reasons for entering the medical field. I had a number of young people who wanted to become lawyers. None of them went into this profession because they were concerned with the prevailing injustice of the world. In fact one of the best stories that I heard was when one of my lawyer friends felt that God was calling him into ministry. He brought this great news to his wife who said: “I married a lawyer, not a minister!” That was a sure sign that the Lord did not call him!!! I still believe that the laborer is worth his wages. I still believe that capitalism is one of the best economical systems, but I feel that when greed enters in for the doctors and for the lawyers (like for any other profession), there is no happiness in sight for them or for the patients/clients.
../pastor/2003/pc030529_altruism_justice.htm
BEHIND THE SILENCE After the ambush of my appearance on last weekend’s Reporter’s Roundtable, here are the parties that may suffer the most: News 12 New Jersey: Management succumbed to intimidation by a political boss. Instead of requesting a formal letter from the complainants' attorney to their legal department for clarification of their policy or to make a request for equal time, it appears that management implemented a new policy on the fly prior to a long weekend. In the note sent to both Mr. Dean and myself, any future Herald columnists can appear on the program “provided those people are not seeking or holding public office.” A news program is under no obligation to provide equal time under F.C.C. regulations. One would hope that this new policy encompasses all of their shows, all of their invited guests, their affiliates- News 12 Connecticut etc., and the rest of the Rainbow Media conglomerate. Management can’t claim to be unbiased, and then not enforce policy across the board. Fellow Herald Columnists: Rich Marcolus, Dr. Martha Wallauer, Steve Corodemus, Pat Pecora and even Joe Caliendo. Because of the new policy against those holding public office, each of these columnists is not eligible to appear on the station’s programs. Their points of view will not be heard and their vast knowledge of state issues is wasted. Multiply them by the number of public officeholders statewide that would no longer be allowed on the station under the new policy. Publisher Allan Dean: Now thrown into an ethical dilemma. The station said that he could send other columnists, and the exposure to a larger audience would be good for his business. So far, he has shown that he will stand squarely in the corner of free expression. Freedom of Speech /Thought- The issue of my Republican affiliation was disclosed at the top of each program. Other news stations- Comcast for instance- has been upheld by the courts when challenged along these same partisan lines. Let the people decide if my take on Christie Whitman’s resignation is insightful or just another hack singing the party line. Election Reform- Its obvious that this issue is out of control. When a show that had nothing to do with a fall election is pulled, it calls out for self-examination about the media’s role in our electoral process. We know that campaign finance needs reform, now we might want to focus on how the media dispenses its air time- and when exactly does a campaign begin? In the end, the station would have been better off to run the program and make policy afterward. A media outlet is supposed to pride itself on freedom of thought and let their audience draw its own conclusion. Now, the only conclusion is that station management panicked and capitulated to a party boss, rather than trusting its viewers. Contact Jack Archibald
http://www.ah-nj.com/
../atlantichighlands/index.html
../bodypolitic/2003/bp030529_behind_silence.htm
SHOULD WE BE ALLOWED TO HAZE IN THIS DAY AND AGE? Hazing has been around long before the Glenbrook North High School incident grabbed our attention on May 4, 2003. It’s a tradition. It’s long been a common practice in fraternities and sororities. It’s been documented in the military. It’s been known to happen as early as in grammar school. Sports teams, gangs and cults often hold hazing events. So, what’s all the commotion about? Maybe it’s because five girls wound up in the hospital, after the powder-puff football game, an annual event that takes place away from the Glenbrook North school grounds between junior and senior girls. (One needed 16 stitches in her head and the other sustained a broken foot.) Maybe it’s because the junior girls were forced by the seniors to be doused with human feces, urine, paint, fish guts and blood. Maybe it’s because things really got out of control. Maybe it’s because the participants were girls. But I think the reason this time is because the Glenbrook North hazing incident was one of the first incidents that was not only filmed, but viewed by millions of people who had never seen a hazing incident before. Hearing about something and actually seeing it with your own eyes can be two different things entirely. And in this case, it was a downright shocking thing. When I first saw the videotape, my first question was, “Where were the police?” My second question was, “Where were these kids’ parents?” My third question was, “Who allowed this to happen?” But perhaps most perplexing to me was the fact that the participation of the junior girls was voluntary. That’s right, boys and girls; no one was holding a gun to those girls’ heads. They weren’t kidnapped. They had a pretty good idea of what was going to happen to them when they got there before they showed up. And they still showed up! Why? Who in their right mind would put herself in a position to be abused, tortured, degraded and humiliated to the point of exhaustion? What’s the purpose? Were they trying to be “cool?” Were they under pressure to attend? Or are these girls, or anyone who subjects themselves to a hazing, gluttons for punishment? Perhaps, before we can answer that question, we need to understand the philosophy behind hazing. Some feel that hazing is a way to teach respect and foster discipline. Others feel that it enables the participants to bond more quickly with each other, that it’s a “misery loves company” sort of thing. Some feel that it forces the participants to push themselves to their absolute limit, and shows them what they’re really capable of achieving. For a long time, hazing was considered to be an acceptable rite of passage. But, over the years, some deaths and serious accidents caused many states to review the hazing practice and make it unlawful to organize or participate in a hazing event. Forty-two states now have anti-hazing laws. The definition of “hazing” varies from state to state and so does the punishment. That’s why some feel that a federal law is needed. Bill H.R. 1207 has been introduced to the U.S. House of Representatives. It would deny Federal student financial aid to any student who is involved in hazing. But is that enough? Shouldn’t hazing be a federal crime that holds a greater punishment than merely the denial of student financial aid? I certainly think so. I think that there are a lot more ways to show a potential team member what she’s “made of.” You don’t have to sit her on a field and pour paint thinner in her face to do it. Besides, forcing a person to submit to such torture tells me that that person is easily controlled. I would have been happy to see those juniors band together and fight those seniors with all their might. That would have taken guts. And that’s the kind of player I’d like to see on my team. I also believe that you can get teammates to “bond” without subjecting them to unrelenting physical abuse. Frankly, I’d bond more quickly with someone who’d knock the hell out of anyone who was physically abusing me. To simply sit there and just watch tells me that their own safety is more important to them than mine. I don’t think I’d want to “bond” with anyone like that, let alone be friends with her. Respect can’t be taught. You have to earn it. How much respect do you think those seniors earned from those juniors? I’d say, about as much respect as those seniors earned from the rest of America. A good leader should be the kind of person who their subordinates should want to emulate. He or she should have integrity, dignity and a willingness to sacrifice for others. They shouldn’t be willing to rule with force. Do you know who those junior girls reminded me of, when they were getting beaten and tortured? The women of Afghanistan when they were being beaten and tortured by the Taliban, that’s who. Maybe we’re not comfortable seeing females get tortured. We’re certainly not used to seeing females in the role of the aggressor. But there was also alcohol involved. Actually, alcohol plays an integral role in most hazing rituals. I say, if you wouldn’t do something while you’re sober, you probably shouldn’t be doing it when you’re drunk either. And, most likely, you’ll regret it. There’s another aspect of hazing that we really need to consider, too; almost everyone involved in a hazing incident is young. The reason why older people don’t become involved in hazing is because, being older and wiser, they couldn’t imagine being involved in one. It’s a phase that many young people go through. But for some, it could be a potentially dangerous phase. I think that there should be a federal law which makes hazing a serious crime. After all, under any other circumstances, causing physical abuse to another person is a serious crime. I think the punishment for hazing should include fines and imprisonment. I think that schools, organizations, and even the military should find other more positive alternatives that will yield the same results they think hazing achieves. If you want to challenge someone, make him climb a mountain. If you want team members to bond, send them all to a homeless shelter for a week and make them cook three meals a day for the inhabitants. If you want someone to respect you, set a good example. If you want people to respect themselves, give them something worthwhile and constructive to do. Give them something to do that they’ll be proud of. Tell them they’ve got to learn a musical instrument or a foreign language or parts of the Bible. Tell them that they’ve got to volunteer at their local animal shelter. Isn’t it a lot more constructive to be cleaning dog and cat feces out of a cage than it is to be smearing human feces in someone’s face? There’s got to be a better substitute for hazing. Until then, parents, schools and police departments have to do everything they can to keep children safe. Someone’s got to protect them. Personally, any organization that makes it mandatory for me to participate in hazing isn’t a group I’d ever want to join. And if the hazing is “optional,” I think I’ll pass.
../barbieri/2003/ls030529_hazing.htm
McGREEVEY CHAMPIONS AUTO INSURANCE REFORM Governor Jim McGreevey had a tough road ahead of him when he was sworn into office, after the mess that was left to him by former Governor Christine Whitman. Automobile insurance is just one of the issues that suffered under Governor Whitman. It was ironic that Governor Whitman was appointed by President Bush to the head the Environmental Protection Agency, considering the fact that she had one of the worst environmental track records in the state’s history, as a lawmaker. In 1997, Jim McGreevey warned that New Jersey’s auto insurance problem needed to be addressed, since more than 20 insurance companies have left the sate and consequently left drivers uninsured. Recently the Senate approved Jim McGreevey’s auto insurance reform package, and now the bill is in the Assembly’s hands. What this bill will do is put a plug into the outgoing stream of New Jersey’s insurance companies by eliminating over-regulation that has plagued the industry, causing these companies to leave. It was Governor Whitman who refused to listen to the state’s residents when they called for reform. Now it’s Jim McGreevey who has listened and did what needed to be done. I suggest that the next issue that Governor McGreevey looks into is health insurance. Since this Governor has been able to handle what no Governor before him has been able to, I can only hope that he deals with this next pressing issue. The difference between this Governor and Governor Whitman isn’t the fact that Whitman was a Republican and McGreevey is a Democrat. This is the least of the differences between them. The fact is that Governor McGreevey is an advocate for the people of New Jersey, and Whitman was an advocate for herself and her friends in high places. But, that does seem to be an ongoing theme of GOP politics on all levels. Middletown Township is the largest municipality in Monmouth County. It is a barometer for the rest of the county, and after years of Republican control here, residents are just about sick and tired of Machine politics. Jim McGreevey crushed the State GOP Machine when he won the Governor’s Seat and the Middletown GOP Machine is the next one to fall. The reason for the Democratic victories in the past, and in the near future, isn’t because Democrats are the only ones that should be in office. Instead, the reason for this success is that the Democratic Party is putting candidates up for office that belong in office, and do not have price tag hanging from their top buttons. I congratulate Governor McGreevey on this important bill, and encourage him to examine health insurance in the future. I also encourage Democrats around the county and state to start getting ready to inherit the rubble that has been left by previous Republican administrations. Good luck, guys and gals, you’re going to need it. (Joseph Caliendo is a lifetime Middletown resident and businessman. He is also chairman of the Middletown Township Democratic Party. He can be reached at patseventeen@aol.com)
../democrat/2003/dy030529_auto_ins.htm
“AMERICAN IDOL” THE WRONG “ROLE MODEL” FOR AMERICA ! When you think of an “American Idol,” what image comes to your mind? Something like a “Miss America,” or a Robert Redord in the entertainment world? Or, a Ronald Reagan in politics, or a Willy Mays in sports, or a Bob Hope in comedy, or a Frank Sinatra in music. Whatever the field, that individual must be a “Role Model” that reflects America’s mainstream culture. That individual must not only look like an “idol,” but must possess a lot of very special talent. So it came as a surprise to millions of Americans when the Fox network’s “American Idol” was Ruben Studdard, a 25-year-old, unemployed black “soul” singer from Alabama. Ruben is big. Really Big. Some 350 pounds, in fact. Is that representative of an “American Idol?” I realize that more than half of America’s population is overweight, and that over one-third of Americans are morbidly obese, which means they are more than 25 pounds over their normal body weight. Yes, Americans are getting fatter and fatter every year. That’s an unhealthy (and unsightly) trend in the most prosperous nation in the world. Okay, Ruben may resemble a soft, warm “fuzzy bear,” but what about his talent? He sings “soul” the way only a deep southern black can deliver those sounds. Ruben is an superb “soul” singer. But for those who were listening and watching the television screen, all of the “pop” songs Ruben sings sound very much alike. He really can’t sing rock like an Elvis or a Springsteen, or country and western like Garth Brooks, or cabaret like Joel Grey, or Tin Pan Alley like a Neil Diamond, or other styles of music. “Soul” is what Ruben Studdard is all about. That he can do naturally. The “American Idol” contender who Ruben beat in the call-in polls possessed a superior voice with an incredible range capable of singing every style of music, including folk. America’s real “Idol,” from my point of view, was Clay Aikens, a slender, Sinatra-like singer. The leading judge on “American Idol,” a Brit named Simon, said Clay Aiken sang the best song in the final round, a rendition of Simon & Garfunkle’s “Bridge Over Troubled Waters.” The 2,000 fans in the Universal Theatre in Los Angeles mostly agreed with the lead judge that Clay Aiken’s voice and presentation were the best on the “American Idol” show. Personally, I like Ruben. He’s easy to like. Like Clay Aiken, Ruben is modest, gentle and has a fine voice – only for soul music. His voice did not adapt well for other styles of music. Then how did Ruben beat Clay by 130,000 voters out of 24 million votes called in by “American Idol” viewers? Statistically, that’s less than one-tenth of 1 percent of the 24 million votes. My guess is that more than half of America’s overweight population watching “American Idol” identified with Ruben. They voted for Ruben because he was “one of them.” In short, fat is “in” and skinny is “out.” So much for Clay and Frankie, the greatest crooner of the 20th Century. That is a sad commentary on America’s culture. Size means more than genuine talent, a truly rare voice that can sing any song. Clay possessed that voice. Ruben did not, except for the repetitive “soul” songs. I doubt that I’ll be watching “American Idol” next season, even though I love that brash Brit, Simon, who is really a star in his own right as both a judge and successful music producer. It’s too bad that “American Idol” has become yet another victim of political-correctness. Objective standards no longer count. (Gordon Bishop is a nationally syndicated columnist and New Jersey’s first “Journalist-of-the-Year” – 1986/New Jersey Press Association.) ../bishop/2003/gb030529_american_idol.htm PRINT THIS ARTICLE
AHES BOARD NEWS •Summer Enrichment Program for Classified Students attending AHES •Summer Enrichment Programs run by Betsy Kurdes and Jim Filoso.
Programs will vary on weekly basis, running Monday
through Thursdays from 8:00 a.m. -11:00 a.m., with
tuition of $90 per week. Proposed topics include:
•AH Recreation’s request to use the building for 2
summer basketball Camps July 7-11 and July 14-18 from
9-11:30 a.m. •Established a Preschool Disabled Program
for 2003-2004 (half time program)
../elementary/2003/ie030529_board_news.htm
No column this week
../trenton_talk/2003/tt_030424_world_language.htm
A YEARBOOK FOR YOUR CHILD'S ART It was 1996 when an organization called Kid's Bridge came before our River Center Board. This was an organization formed out of Trenton to establish cultural displays and exhibits for grammar school children. I worked with ABC-TV in the early 80's on the Children's Capital Museum in Washington, DC. The museum was very successful and since the goals seemed similar the River Center Board voted to buy our old police station for one dollar and join the crusade to rehab the building and promote the Kid's Bridge organization. A great deal of money was raised however the Kid's Bridge organization out of Trenton dissolved. Putting their heads together Mayor Ed McKenna and local Business Executive Larry Roberts came up with a different approach for a Children's Cultural Center. They wanted to create a hands-on, multicultural institution dedicated to the children of Monmouth County. Concerned citizens and artists along with the Red Bank town council gave support to the project. It took a number of years to develop the programming, obtain the funding and rehab the building. Finally its time has arrived. At a meeting with some of Red Bank's notables, at the home of Larry Roberts, Brian Pasch introduce an outline complete with links to our website. The outline and website explains the goals of the Children's Cultural Center as well as a way for you and your family to contribute and participate. Ten area photographers have donated their time to photograph families who will appear in our Ad Journal Yearbook. A great twist to it is you can summit you child's art work instead of a family portrait or business greeting. I'm working on this Ad Journal Team for the Children's Cultural Center at Red Bank and I would like to get you involved in the Ad Journal project. I would like you to consider taking a Family Portrait Page or submitting a piece of your child's artwork for the Fall Journal. We are reaching out to you because our desire is to create the most unique journal that celebrates area children and their creative spirit. The link provided above has all the information, order forms and examples of what we have in mind. Imagine the look on the face of your child, grandson/granddaughter when they see their artwork, portrait or poem published in a 300-400 page high quality "yearbook" journal. Area businesses and concerned families are showing their support for this project because they want to support programs for children's programming in the visual and performing Arts. The Ad Journal is a very practical and visible way to show your support. The added benefit is that if you were planning on taking a new family portrait this year, we have 10 area photographers who have WAIVED THEIR SITTING FEE and will take a series of shots for free. A list has been provided on the link shown above. You can pick your favorite picture for the journal free of charge. We hope that you'll like your photos and patronize these local studies with your business. This is a no obligation opportunity and a great way to memorialize your family in 2003. Since the creation and compilation of this journal is a large undertaking, can you read the information on the link provided and reply back with your support decision next week. This will help me fulfill my obligations as part of the committee to sign-up friends, family and business associates. Your prompt reply will also give you time to schedule a photography sitting in time to meet our publication deadlines. Thank you for your consideration. I'm very excited to see this journal completed. This will be a very special memorial to those families who understand the importance of introducing children to the Arts at a young age. This center will be a keystone piece in the development of Red Bank's cultural destination. You should come along for the ride on this one. If you would like to participate in any way the following should explain everything you would need to know. Please click on to: http://www.inrumson.com/Childrens_Cultural_Center/Fall_Yearbook_Information.htm
../window_redbank/2003/wrb030529_yearbook_art.htm
COUNCIL DISCUSSES CURFEW I want to begin the article this week by synopsizing our town’s curfew ordinance. This ordinance applies to all persons under the age of 18. On weeknights, that is Sunday through Thursday, the curfew hours are between 11 PM and 6 AM. On the weekends, that is Friday and Saturday only the curfew is between midnight and 6 AM. There are exceptions written into the law for certain normal activities that might result in a person under 18 having to be out beyond those hours. During the two council meetings in May, the Keansburg Borough Council discussed the town’s curfew ordinance in public and possible changes to it. These discussions were the result of hearing from numerous citizens about curfew concerns. During the first meeting in May the council discussed the possibility of changing the times for the curfew. There was a long discussion including some feedback from the public during the public portion of the meeting. Some of the feedback the council received was from one teen who himself felt that the curfew hours were too late. Another person who spoke echoed what the towns new police director said, that it was up to the parents to control their own children and to enforce the curfew in their own homes. The police director also stated that when his officers had questioned a few of the persons involved in reported curfew violations it was found the persons were all over 18. The director went on to add that sometimes people are reporting curfew violations when in fact they do not know the age of the people. The result of the discussion during the council meeting on 5/8 was to continue the discussion at the following meeting. In the meantime, the council asked the Borough Clerk to poll some surrounding towns to find information on their curfews if any. At the 5/22 council meeting the curfew ordinance was again on the agenda as a discussion item. The Borough Clerk presented his findings in writing to the council members. Most other towns polled had curfew hours exactly as ours are outlined. One town had its hours set on hour earlier then ours and one other town has a curfew that varied in times during the summer months. In the end, the council decided to leave the curfew hours as they were. The council also asked the police director to try to enforce the curfew hours for a while so that parents will “get the message”. Another discussion item on the agenda during the 5/22 council meeting was the parking situation on Carr Avenue. The council briefly discussed some possible alternatives short of reinstalling the parking meters in the streetscape zone. It seemed that the council was in favor of enforcing a 90 minute parking zone on Carr Avenue with the people who live in that area receiving parking permits. The council will be discussing this again during the 6/12 meeting at 5:30 PM. The council will advise business owners in the area of this meeting. The council would like the business owners to attend the 6/12 meeting to voice their opinion on the proposed changes. Another discussion item on the agenda and that was a discussion to have a dog and cat census of the town. An accurate accounting of our town’s dogs and cats is necessary to apply for various grants and funding available through various humane organizations. Other then the discussion items mentioned above the council passed only one ordinance. Ordinance #1338 authorizing the sale of a borough owned vacant lot. The location of the lot is the corner of Jahn and Carr and the minimum price for bidding will be 70,000 dollars. The auction is to be held on Thursday June 12 at 5 PM in the council chambers at borough hall. The council introduced and set down for final passage on 6/12 two other ordinances. Those were ordinance #1339 for participation in the Capital Lease program / MCIA and ordinance #1341 for the Carr Avenue parking problem that had been previously discussed. Lastly, the council voted to approve five resolutions including the normal payment of bills and a liquor license transfer for the Sports Barn. Upcoming Council meetings. There will be two regularly scheduled borough council meetings in June. The first council meeting will be on Thursday June 12 at 5:30 PM and the second council meeting will be on Thursday June 26 at 7 PM. Upcoming Borough Events. Summer Concerts by the Bay - As of this point, the next event for our borough will be the summer “Concerts by the Bay” series. The dates for the series will be the last three Wednesdays in the month of August from 7 to 9 PM in the big lot on the corner of Raritan and Beachway. The band schedule is as follows: Wednesday 8/13 the concert series commences with “The Greaseband” followed on Wednesday 8/20 by “New Power Soul” and the series concludes on the last Wednesday of the month 8/27 with “Saturday Night Fever”.
../spotlight/2003/sk030529_curfew.htm
SWEET TARTS! OK Folks. It’s time to get decadent. If you’ve got a sweet tooth, this one’s for you. A tart is a pastry crust with either a sweet or savory filling. It differs from a pie in that it is not as deep and does not contain a top crust. There are also miniature tarts, called tartlets. First we will make a flaky dough, what the French call pate brisee. This dough can be used for a variety of tarts, pies, and other desserts. Then we will make pastry cream, (crème patissiere), the lavishly rich cream found in éclairs, Napoleons, cream puffs, etc. After baking the crust and filling it with the cream, we will top it with fresh fruit. Then we will indulge in gastronomic ecstasy. THE DOUGH Six oz. all-purpose flour (Use a scale, not a measuring cup. Ounces are a
measure of weight. A measuring cup measures volume. The two are not the same). Combine flour, sugar, salt and baking powder. Cut the butter into small pieces and then mix it into the flour by hand. Use your fingers to break up the butter pieces further and incorporate them into the flour. Mix in the water until the dough comes together. Scrape the dough out of the bowl, shape it into a cylinder, wrap it in plastic wrap, and refrigerate it for one hour. THE CREAM One and a half oz., (3 tablespoons) cornstarch Whisk the cornstarch in a little bit of the milk. Combine the rest of the milk with the sugar in a saucepan and bring to a boil. Whisk the eggs and egg yolks with the cornstarch. SLOWLY pour about a third of the boiled milk into the egg/cornstarch mixture, whisking constantly. Now take that mixture and slowly pour it back into the remaining milk in the saucepan whisking constantly. Turn the heat back on, don’t stop whisking, and cook until it comes to a boil and thickens. Remove from heat and whisk in butter and vanilla extract. Pour into a large stainless steel bowl, cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate until chilled. Allow the plastic wrap to actually touch the cream so a film does not form on its surface. PREPARING THE TART CRUST Take the dough that you’ve rested in the fridge and roll it out until it will fit a 9-inch tart pan. Place the dough in the pan, push it around the sides to eliminate any air pockets, and then roll the rolling pin along the top edge of the tart pan to remove the excess dough. Take a fork and puncture some holes in the bottom of the tart. This is known as docking and will allow steam to escape. Now you will blind bake the tart shell. This means baking it without a filling since the filling is already cooked. Cut out a round piece of parchment paper that will fit in the tart pan, including coming up the sides. Fill it with dry beans or pie weights and bake in a preheated 350 degree oven until you see the edges turning golden brown. The beans and/or pie weights prevent the dough from puffing up as you bake it. Remove the paper and beans and continue baking until the bottom starts to turn golden brown. Allow the tart shell to cool before filling it. ASSEMBLING THE TART Take your pastry cream out of the fridge and whisk it until it becomes smooth. Fill the tart shell with the cream, spreading it out evenly, and leaving about a half inch of space at the top. Top the cream with fruit. Here’s where you can get real creative. Cover the top of the part with blueberries, raspberries, sliced bananas, strawberries, kiwis, poached pears, baked apples, chopped nuts, you name it. You may wish to mix and match fruits. Indulge your impulses. You can serve the tart when it is completely topped or refrigerate it to re-thicken the cream. Then hedonistically lavish your palate and worry about the gym tomorrow.
../food/2003/ft_030529_sweet_tarts.htm
No column this week Caroline Ceniza-Levine, a resident of Little Silver, is an adjunct professor of Professional Development at Columbia University and a career/life coach. Caroline can be reached at 212-502-8593 or at her website at www.thinkasinc.com.
../jobpath/2003/jp030501_telephone_tag.htm
REPORTS OF RIVER, BAY AND OCEAN FISHING
>==>>>>:> >>=>>>:> "with only 45 minutes left in the contest and after having led since early on Saturday, Capt. Lou Grazioso aboard the "Striper Mania" and his 39 pound fish were bumped into second place by the sport fishing vessel Ugly Mug which weighed in with a 40 1/2 pounder. The rules state that you can leave from any port and that lines must be in no earlier than 6:00 a.m. and that the fish must be brought to the scales by boat. The winning bass was caught in far southern Jersey and the boat ran all the way up on the outside in order to reach the official weigh-in station at Bahrs Restaurant and fuel dock in Highlands NJ.
The locals were well represented, taking at least six of
the top ten spots, including an 3rd place finish by
current Cartopper member Tony Arcabascio. A 33 3/4 pound
striper was the third place winner. At the Shoal we got a slot and 4 others up too 32 inches. Andy having filled his tag. At slack we moved over to the Knoll. Andy hooked a big one but lost it after a few minutes. Soon thereafter I got my tag fish. A 34 1/2 incher. LOL!. Andy swears it's the one he lost. We headed in stopping at buoy 11A to try for Fluke. I had one hit in about 3 or 4 drifts and called it a day. Ray K
http://www.bahrs.com/weekfisrep.html
../fish_report/2003/nb_030529.htm
McGREEVEY’S BIRD Question: How many P.R. people does it take to mess up the Governor’s message to seniors? Answer: How many do you have, Governor? Let’s tell Kurt’s story: Kurt must be just as kind as Governor McGreevey is when it comes to senior citizens. Kurt, in fact, has a mother who is a senior. He lives far away on the West Coast, and he felt certain that Mom needed a pet. She is past sixty-five, you see, so a bird would be the easiest thing for Mom to handle. Kurt bought a rare talking bird for $500 and sent it to his mother. A week later he called to ask her how she liked it. "It was delicious!" she replied. Governor McGreevey, we seniors got the bird you sent us in the mail last week. We stewed over it, but did not find it delicious. Hope you and your public relations department didn’t spend too much of our taxpayer money on producing it. Your talking bird, disguised as the "Senior Journal," filled an entire half page with drivel entitled, Summer Health Tips for NJ Seniors. It instructs: "Keep cool, relax in the shade, wear light clothing . . .blah, blah, come in out of the sun . . . Yadda, yadda . . . don’t get heat stroke . . .blah, blah, blah." This is one crazy talking bird! Lots of us noted that there was no mention of the Property Tax Reimbursement Program in the "Senior Journal." With the new guidelines you instituted for filing this year, many now qualify who were excluded before. Do we call it 'give and take'? My call to the State Division of Revenue, 609-984-3997, did not elicit an answer to my question regarding its continuance. The staff also told me that my application, sent in February, was not in their computer. Now I have just found info on NJ’s Tax Info site, www.state.nj.us/treasury/taxation/propfrez.htm, that the state budget may be modified to eliminate this program for all except those who received a check in reimbursement of their 2001 tax year increase and prior, however applications are still being accepted for the 2002 tax year. Was the half page of drivel composed to divert attention from this possible bad news? The crazy bird kept its big beak shut about this fiasco. He could have squawked. "Who in ‘tarnation’ did you write those ‘health tips’ for, Governor? (that’s ‘Senior-Speak’ idiolect for surprise and consternation). You ought to know that the seniors who might need those dumb warnings already have health aides to keep them out of the noonday sun. Besides, there are enough other dopey publications, some even with a health slant, that fill their empty spaces with the verbiage that was inappropriate in your propaganda bulletin. Does anyone in your Public Relations Department know any seniors? Did anyone look around to see the seniors who manage companies, run households, raise grandchildren, run governments, cure patients, invent marvels, teach the world, move mountains, and then are obliged to reeducate those who would be jack asses. Here’s an easy exercise for those state employees who lack awareness of what’s going on in the world around them. It goes like this: During a heavy downpour, stand outdoors and keep looking up to see how hard it’s raining so you can report it to your department head. A number of the really incompetent staff will have drowned during such maneuvers. That reduces the workforce by attrition. Therein is the answer to your downsizing, Governor McGreevey, and it’s a good way to separate the ‘wheat from the chaff’’ (more ‘senior-speak’). That said, I seize the opportunity now to say, "Good-bye and R.I.P.," to at least two staffers I spoke with yesterday and to the entire creative force behind the "Senior Journal." I am sending the bird back to you.
../senior/2003/ss030529_mcgreeveys_bird.htm
RECENT CASES – INTERPRETING THE VERBAL LAWSUIT THRESHOLD The Trial Courts and Appellate Courts have consistently interpreted the verbal/lawsuit threshold limitation very strictly against claimants who make claims for personal injury from a car accident. The verbal/lawsuit threshold is a limit on a claimants’ ability to sue unless their injuries qualify under the law. Recently, Trial Courts as well as the Appellate Division have required that a claimant prove that not only is his or her medical condition permanent in nature, but also the conditions must effect their daily life activities. This requires the claimant to prove that their daily activities, including work were negatively affected by their injuries. More and more cases are being dismissed because claimants have been unable to meet this threshold requirement. As the threshold requirement becomes more and more difficult to meet, policyholders should review their choices when deciding whether to elect this restriction on the policy.
../legal/2003/lg030529_verbal_threshold.htm
THE THIRD MARCH ON TRENTON On May 15, physicians throughout New Jersey took part in the third march on the capitol. The event was attended by over 5000 doctors and supporters of patient rights. The goal of this rally was the similar to the other two. To show support for tort reform in New Jersey and to raise public and legislative awareness to the seriousness of the liability insurance crisis in our state. The rally was sponsored by the Medical Society of New Jersey and was hosted by the new president, Dr. Mark Olesnicky. Many excellent speakers addressed the crowd calling for the state assembly to "pass the senate bill." This was a reference to the senate compromise bill that the doctors fought for over the past several months. It was finally passed in the state senate and sent to the assembly for their approval. This is the amendment to the original assembly bill, A-50, which will help to bring meaningful tort reform to New Jersey and stabilize the malpractice insurance market (please see prior columns in "Physicians Forum" for details of the bill). Several state Senators and Assemblymen addressed the physicians in support of the bill, pleading for their colleagues to vote in favor of it when it comes to the floor of the assembly. This brought out cheers from the crowd and a chant that "we will remember in November"--a reference to supporting the appropriate candidate in the next election. There is strong opposition in the assembly to the compromise bill as the trial attorney lobby is an influential one. The trial attorneys are opposed to any bill with caps or limitations on awards, as I have written about in the past. They continue to deny our actuarial studies which consistently demonstrate that this is the only way to stabilize the malpractice insurance industry, bring down insurance premiums, and keep good doctors in New Jersey so that the people of our great state will be able to receive the quality healthcare that they have come to expect. This influence in the assembly is causing delays in the passage of meaningful tort reform, causing more and more doctors to move to other states to practice medicine. Many have chosen to retire early, or to give up high risk procedures.
Alan Zaccaria, MD, FACS
../physicians_forum/2003/pf030529_third_march.htm
COUNT HORSESHOE CRABS IN OUR BAY Since my arrival to the Bayshore watershed region nearly 13 years ago from South Jersey, I have listened to countless tales from baymen and old-timers who swear to seeing masses of horseshoe crabs during the 1940s and 50s from South Amboy to Highlands. During the horseshoe crab’s mating season in the spring, our beaches would be swarming with males and females. Unfortunately, from talking to several watermen, local scholars, and from my own empirical experiments, the current population of horseshoe crabs seems to be declining in our bay waters. While there are no accurate population figures for horseshoe crabs in Raritan and Sandy Hook bay waters, most people no longer observe extensive populations of horseshoe crabs and their distribution seems to be getting less every year. A speculative range is anywhere between a few dozen to around 60 at any one place. In contradiction to the horseshoe crab population in the Delaware Bay, there is very little research currently be carried out by New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection (NJ DEP) to the ecology and preservation of horseshoe crabs in Raritan and Sandy Hook bays. This is a shame. Horseshoe crabs are important living things in the Bayshore’s coastal food web, since their eggs are a significant food source to many notable and characteristic species, such as the endangered loggerhead sea turtle, diamondback terrapins, gulls, song sparrows, mourning doves, foxes, and raccoons. Consequently, little is known about the ecology of our horseshoe crabs in Raritan and Sandy Hook bays. Despite the fact that a number of local factors might be contributing to the species’ demise in our region, including the loss of habitat and an increase in runoff and sediment. Furthermore, unlike the horseshoe crab population in the Delaware Bay, there is very little guardianship and responsibility from NJ DEP to our horseshoe crabs in Raritan and Sandy Hook bays. I am not sure why? When you ask someone from NJ DEP to the reason, they hesitate a bit and then declare that migratory shorebirds, such as red knots, sanderlings, and sandpipers, which need to feed on horseshoe crab eggs in the spring, do not stop along the Bayshore region. Yet, numerous birders every year report seeing red knots, sanderlings, and sandpipers at Sandy Hook or along Raritan Bay beaches. This is why I am asking for your help. Residents of the Bayshore region need to demonstrate to NJ DEP that our horseshoe crab population is prolific in our estuarine environment and worthy of protection. Recently, NJ DEP’s Division of Fish and Wildlife is asking for your help this spring to identify horseshoe crab spawning habitat. The information will help the State of New Jersey create a Fishery Management Plan for Horseshoe crabs. The spawning season in the Mid-Atlantic region for the Horseshoe crab occurs generally from the end of May to the end of June. Peak times to watch for activity is around the full moon period. Either on or about May 31, June 14, or June 29. Horseshoe crabs commonly like to spawn on sandy beaches that are protected from the turbulent wave action of the Atlantic Ocean, such as in bays, coves, and lagoons. So, get to the beach now and start counting horseshoe crabs in our bay waters. Report you observations to NJ DEP at their special website set up for this project: http://www.nj.gov/dep/fgw/hcidform.htm and fill in the questionnaire entitled, “Horseshoe Crab Spawning Habitat Identification Form.” You may also call in your observation toll free at 1-866-652-2824. Please leave your name and telephone number so someone from NJ DEP can contact you to record you information. Horseshoe crabs have been around for more than 350 million years. It would be a disgrace if something should happen to cause their disappearance in our bay waters. Thus, the more we know about our horseshoe crab population in the Bayshore region, the better are our odds of ensuring their survival.
../oaktrail/2003/oot030529_horseshoe_crabs.htm
***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
Each week we'll browse through two or three books and provide you with a brief assessment. These books can all be found in local bookstores. ___________________________ This week, I'm going to take a break from the standard book review and enter into a favorite category of mine -the bathroom book. Everyone in America knows one when they see one. Reader's Digest had made an industry out of it. So what are some good ones? Read on.
Battlefield Earth by L. Ron Hubbard Not a very good movie, but a fantastic book. I'm a so-so sci-fi fan and I picked this one up on the recommendation of a trusted friend. Big, thick, heavy, written by the Dianetics guy. That's a lot of luggage to carry around. As it turns out, the story was great. It was well worth the time. So how does it fit into this category? Short chapters! Lots of them are only two or three pages long. You can read until you come to a natural stopping point. No long-time investment in reading, only as much as you feel like spending.
Match Wits with Mensa by Marvin Grosswirth. et.al. The cover describes this as "the ultimate book of puzzles, brainteasers, word games, number conundrums, logical mysteries, and intelligence-testers". No problem with that description.. If you can't find something in here to while away the minutes, you're just not trying. Leave a pencil near the book, and you might find your children challenging some of these. One of my biblio-challenged off-spring worked his way through the whole book last Fall. Quite a feat for the video generation.
Uncle Johns All-Purpose Extra Strength Bathroom
Reader by the Bathroom Reader's Institute. My copy is the thirteenth edition. I never saw the first twelve. If I had, I would own them all.. I'll let the back cover speak for the contents. It is full of "history, science, trivia, pop culture, sports and entertainment. The contents are divided by length; spend a minute with the quickies, relax with the regular-length articles, or turn to our "Extended Sitting Section" for a leg-numbing experience" The interesting thing about these bathroom books is that they develop legs. If this is what it takes to get my children reading, then God bless the weird people who write them.
Extra Goodies Saturday afternoon I caught Matrix Reloaded. This is a thumbs-up movie in the Ebert tradition. It delivers exactly what the ticket-buyer wanted. However, it is not for everyone. Siskel would have hated it. Extended fight scenes, lots of car wrecks, enhanced slow-motion. In short, this is a guy flick all-the-way. Downside? Yes. The movie does not end. Like Lord of the Rings, it brings you to the edge and fades on the "continued" notice. That sucked. At least end the movie. See you all next week
../leafnotes/2003/ln030529.html
WAITING... I thought that once we were matched with a baby, I’d be so overjoyed that the adoption was actually “starting,” that I’d be calmer. Not a chance! It’s actually the opposite. Now that all the paperwork is done and we have baby news, I don’t have anything to do but wait…and wait…and wait… And worry… What if something goes wrong? Who is caring for the baby? When will we be able to fly out and bring our baby home to New Jersey? What do we have to do to secure her a passport? What about a birth certificate? Readoption—what exactly is that? As you can see, it is easy to torture yourself during the wait. And did I say all the paperwork was done? Not a chance! After reviewing the meager medical information (blood type, negative test results for diseases) and falling in love with our baby’s picture, we had to start the ball rolling, so to speak. So up the hill we climbed back to the bank for a certified check with many zeros at the end to pay the adoption agency (who pays the lawyer in Guatemala who pays the foster mother who cares for the child) and a notary stamp on our power of attorney document so the Guatemalan lawyer can represent us through the Guatemalan court system. Then off we dashed to the UPS store to send our adoption agency our first payment and signed adoption contract (which pretty much states that if anything goes wrong, it’s not the agency’s fault…but what choice do we have but to sign?). When that envelope was sealed, another one was produced for our power of attorney (and of course the always-required check) that had to make its way first to the state department to be certified that, yes, indeed, this notary is a valid New Jersey notary (isn’t that what the notary stamp is for?!) and then, in a week, when it returns to us via UPS with the envelope we provide to the state department (ca-ching!), I make my way to the UPS store again with a certified check in my hand to send this document, now notarized and state-department certified, to the Guatemalan Embassy on Park Avenue in Manhattan to be “authenticated.” Yes, another two UPS envelopes…ca-ching, ca-ching! Authenticated means that someone at the embassy rubber-stamps and signs the document that, yes, the notary stamp and the state department stamp are there as required. (Do they read the documents? Nah! Sometimes after all that the fancy-stamped documents get ‘kicked out’ of the Guatemalan courts because there is a typo or something required is missing, and, oh yes, you have to start the “stamping” process all over again with a new original document until it, weeks later, gets to Guatemala again for translation to Spanish and then back to the court official who was reviewing the file way back when.) When the embassy cashes our check and returns our document via UPS (our prepaid envelope!), then I return, yes, AGAIN, to the UPS store to send the power of attorney document with all the glorified stamps attached to it to the adoption agency…who overnights it to Guatemala to the lawyer…who then has it translated into Spanish and submits it to the courts…and we WAIT until it gets stamped and activated in Guatemala. Foreign adoption and the word ‘wait’ are synonymous. Don’t let anyone tell you differently. You have to wait on the social worker in the US to write a report about you and your family and the reasons why you want to adopt; you have to wait to gather all of your dossier documents and get the required stamps for each and every one; you have to wait in a long line outside to get fingerprinted at INS Newark, you have to wait months to get those fingerprints processed by the US government; you have to wait to get INS to approve you as adoptive parents; you have to wait to be matched with a referral (which sometimes can be months and months!); and then you have to wait to get the proper documents and fees in order so the actual adoption can begin. And then you wait and wait and wait for the adoption file to make its way through the courts in a foreign country whose laws are different than those we take for granted here in America; information trickles in every now and then so you know what the delays are for…but rarely do they make sense. I think the very first question on the questionnaire that is given to you on a clipboard by the US social worker should be, “Are you a good wait-er? Please give proof if you answer ‘yes.’ If you answer ‘no,’ put down your pencil and go home now!” I’ve figured out that I’m not such a bad wait-er after all…but please don’t quote me. I may have to deny I said that to those who have heard me whine and complain and cry at times when the waiting made me frustrated and crazy. Luckily, that wasn’t daily…but weekly? Oh yes! My world hasn’t been the same since I’ve been “sitting on my nest,” waiting…
../adoption/2003/adpt030529_waiting.htm
WINTER NIGHTS AT THE JERSEY SHORE
Winds like mournful voices lowly calling without summer
romance.
Dylan Eliot ©
../poet/2003/pl030529_winter_nights.htm
(editors note: Do you have poetry to share? Send your submission to editor@ahherald.com.)
Picture This!
../picture_this/2003/pt_030529.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. In addition, we'll email a gift certificate for $25 to you from Bahr's Landing Marina and Restaurant in Highlands, NJ. 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? Last Week's Picture This! Answer
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
../readers_write/index.html JOE CALIENDO UTILIZES "THE BIG LIE" IN HIS COLUMNS Dear Editor:
One of the most often-used propaganda devices is called
The Big Lie. The idea behind it is that if you repeat
the same lie over and over and over again, people will
assume it’s the truth. It seems to be Joe Caliendo’s
favorite.
Your columnist/advertiser is so confused, he’s not even
sure how much money he wants to claim the township
“owes” the school district. Somewhere between October
2002 and April 2003, the amount has variously been
claimed at anywhere from $40 to $50 million. The amount
of time it supposedly took the township to accrue this
fluctuating total also varies anywhere between 10 and 20
years, depending on which column you look at. The Township of Middletown collects all property taxes from residents, at its own expense, for the school district, the county, the municipality, and any special districts like the garbage district. This is not by choice. State law dictates that municipalities collect all these taxes. The amount of taxes we collect for the school district is based on the annual school tax levy contained in the school budget. All taxes are collected quarterly, based on the township budget cycle, which runs on the calendar year. Meanwhile, collected school tax money is consistently given to the district in regular increments on a schedule that matches the school’s budget cycle, which runs from July through June. The schedule is pre-determined by the school district and the township, based on state-governed parameters. The township has always given the school district 100 percent of the tax money their budget dictates be collected for school purposes. For example, the 2002-2003 school budget dictated that $92,948,756 needed to be collected in school taxes. Between July and the present, the school district has received from the township exactly $92,948,756 -- 100 percent of what’s owed them! The 2003-2004 school budget dictates that $96,289,596 needs to be collected in school taxes. And that’s exactly the amount that the township will collect and give to the school district. The manner in which the township gives the school district their tax money is not a unique and complicated “little scheme,” where “[we] borrow money that [we] never give back to the school district” in order to help us continue “falsely holding the line on taxes,” as Mr. Caliendo has purported in many of his ramblings. Middletown is among approximately 200 municipalities that give school districts their tax money in regularly scheduled increments, according to the state Division of Local Government Services. The process of providing school tax money in increments, by the way, is called deferral of school taxes and was developed by the state legislature and the governor. All of this information is readily available under the Open Public Records Act (OPRA) for responsible writers, their editors and all other citizens seeking the truth. Middletown’s Chief Financial Officer Robert Roth tried to help you on April 18th with his letter explaining this same process. That letter must not have adequately convinced you that Mr. Caliendo is confused, since you have allowed him to repeat his tale of owed money in a May column. You have written that “one of the simple guidelines for this publication, now and in the future, is not to knowingly publish unfounded rumors.” For the good of your readers, I sincerely hope the same is true for outlandish lies that are represented by “columnists” on your bulletin board as irrefutable facts. In the case of Mr. Caliendo, your policy of carte blanche is providing your readers with a steady diet of Big Lies that seriously undermine confidence in government and in your publication as well.
Sincerely,
../readers_write/2003/030529_big_lie.htm
ABORTED CHILDREN ARE JUST AS DEAD AS IF THEIR DEATH RESULTED FROM COMMISSION OF A CRIME I want to respond to Carol Barbieri’s column of May 22 – “CONNOR PETERSON DOESN'T KNOW THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN "MURDER" AND "ABORTION". I summarize Ms. Barbieri’s points in the order she made them:
I sense that Ms. Barbieri’s moral sense was offended by the crime which destroyed the life of Conner Peterson, and I know her column was well meant. She is not the first writer to get tangled up with abortion in an attempt to address the killing of an unborn child. The killing of an unborn child is not a “complicated” issue at all. Whether the killing is done as part of a crime, or in a sterile environment by white-coated technicians, the child ends up equally dead. To the child, the legality or illegality of the killing is a distinction without a difference. Only lawyers could imagine that one exists. In either case the child loses his life without having any say in the matter. Ironically, Marva Stark, President of the NOW Chapter for Morris County, NJ, accurately saw through this attempt to split the unsplittable hair. “’Well, if this is murder,” she said, “then any time a late-term fetus is aborted they could call it murder.” Quite so. Many legal scholars believe a legal confirmation of Ms. Stark's argument must soon emerge. If a fetus is a “person” whose injury or death via a criminal act must be punished, then how can society countenance death by abortion simply because the mother ‘decides’ to have her child destroyed? Since when has such power over the life of a child been invested in a parent? Two thousand years of Western Civilization and jurisprudence stand against it. The situation is reminiscent of society’s contemporary stratification of murders. We now call some killings heinous to justify a capital sentence. Such crimes typically include murder of a policeman, a politician, a mother of small children, or a child – also, a particularly gruesome murder or a crime involving multiple killings. Other murders, apparently considered “ordinary” – e.g., a businessman, cab-driver, clerk, prostitute, etc. – are punished only by jail time. (As I write this, I still cannot decide if a non-heinous murder is so designated because it supposedly doesn’t hurt as much – or because the life of the victim isn’t as valuable to society or even to himself.) All of this breaks with 1200 years of English Law. Until well within my lifetime, killers convicted of murder with “malice aforethought” – i.e., murder in the first degree – could expect a date with either the Electric Chair or the Gas Chamber. The station of the victim had no bearing on the sentence. Taking a life deliberately and violently was, prima facie, a “heinous” crime. Forfeiture of the perpetrator’s life was the customary penalty exacted by the state. In 1944 (under the “old” murder-definition) New York City had 50 murders for the entire year. By the early 1990s – under the enlightened new stratification – the annual murder total for NYC hit 2000. No statistics are available on how many of those murders were designated heinous. Medical investigations affirm, however, that all victims of both heinous and non-heinous murders, as the case may be, were equally dead. Just so, aborted children are just as dead as if their death resulted from commission of a crime. Only legal sophistry imagines a distinction not perceptible to the ordinary citizen. (A “penumbra”, perhaps?) Thus, we come round to abortion’s Dirty Secret: millions of tiny body-bags thrown into the dumpster just as callously as if a perp with ski mask and pistol had done it. Lucky for them, though, they weren’t killed in the commission of a crime.
Elwood E. Zimmerman
../readers_write/2003/030529_aborted_children.htm
I guess I must be one of the only people in New Jersey that believed that our towns were there to serve the people. Planning boards plan in the better interest of the town. Zoning boards know the law and weren’t for sale to the highest bidder. They do not serve the people; there is something very wrong. The middle class people who pay their taxes don’t stand a chance. You work hard just to give your children a better place to grow up in. What you thought were better schools, are over crowed and under staffed. It costs a private school less money to teach a child then it does for a public school to teach a child. Why? We work so hard and when we get home the little time we have left we want to spend with our families. Most of the time both parents work, just to make as much as much as our fathers did. Taxes go up, gas goes up, transportation goes up but our pays do not. Now you have to watch your town. Just what you need to put you over the top. You don’t need to see your children. There are the few that are expected to keep everyone informed. Well let me tell you if you live in Hazlet they are putting a funeral home next to the Public Library and two story Office building across the street. That is near a creek. That will get polluted and will hook up to our all ready taxed sewerage system. And no traffic studies were done. I was told no one can to the meeting to object so they past it. Gee I thought the planning board and zoning board were there to do what’s best for the people, not the town. It only takes 15 minutes to get out of the side streets now. Hazlet has a water problem, so we have a new ordinance that will cost us more money to drain our water. They make the problems we pay. If the town wasn’t so over built there wouldn’t be a drainage problem to begin with. When did the word Suburb become City? Parents your children are watching if you take it then they will. They already know you can’t run for Public Office unless you’re rich. No one wins an election without big money. So enjoy the time you have with your children and know what you have is more then what they will have. The middle class should rule this country. Just think if we all took a day off what would happen? Fran Donnelly
../readers_write/2003/030529_our_municipalities.htm
UNDISCLOSED COMPLAINT SHOULD NOT SILENCE SPEECH Seems that the suppression of free speech is a common tactic in politics and apparently the Herald is going along with it. Readers would like to know what "complaint" was issued to the management . What was the basis of the complaint? Who filed this complaint? What was the outcome of the apparent claims? It seems all too often our media will selectively suppress the will of the people based on false and misleading allegations. We the people, demand to know the basis of such complaints and what the issues are? Why are people suppressed based on a complaint that is not disclosed or justified? "THE PEOPLE" want to know! Michael Argen,
../readers_write/2003/030526_silenced_speech.htm
Your article about the silencing of your reporter/candidate was especially pertinent since the silencing of every person in Middletown who had in any way associated themselves with the Concerned Citizens of Middletown took place at the meeting of the zoning board this week. The ruling was that only the attorney for the group could speak, and when Rich Rugerrio , the only one to do so, rose to ask a question, he was "accused" of being a member, although he denied having every signed a petition or given any money to the CCOM. The list of members had been subpoenaed by Gary Fox, lawyer for Mountain Hill, the wanna-be builders of the Mall, and was duly perused by the township lawyer to see if indeed Mr. Ruggerio was on the list. Apparently his name was, as well as the name of his wife, but he insisted on having no connection to the CCOM (anti-mall group). Finally, and very reluctantly, the chairman of the Board allowed Mr. Ruggerio to ask his very innocuous question. Outside of this one question, no one else in the hearing room rose to speak. Still, the anti-mall forces, won a victory of sorts, as the entire Board voted again granting the variances asked for Of course, that means a court battle and CCOM does not have any more financial resources to match the Azzolina group. Bettie Rogers
../readers_write/2003/030524_ccom_silenced.htm
PARENTS WILL CLOSE SKATEBOARD PARK This is a retort to Joann Dill's comment about the kids wearing protective gear at the new skateboard park in Middletown. I passed it the other day and thought, "cool." Now kids have another place to play and hang out. Something not associated with the elderly and/or retired. Something youthful. Basically, it all adds up to something the elderly and/or retired will force closed because they can't take the responsibility for their own kids. Like most of America these days, lawyers rule. Something bad happens, blame it on the other guy and sue. Nobody takes responsibility anymore. As far as I know it, the law states that kids under a certain age are required to wear a helmet when bike riding and skateboarding. I don't know the exact words for the law or the specifics, but I know a law exists. Parents should make sure their kids have a helmet. Not a Township. According to Joann Dill, if her kid whacks his/her head at the park because they refused to wear a helmet (or took it off once they were far enough away from the house) it is Middletown's fault. That makes sense to me. Blame it on the Township. Maybe they will settle out of court for a cool million. That'll teach 'em! Parents of Middletown (and America), kids get hurt all the time. Guess what? One way or another, it is your fault. Kids don't listen? Your fault. Kids get hurt? Your fault. Middletown is providing your kids with the opportunity to perform their stunts and tricks in a safe environment. A park as opposed to an empty parking lot, store fronts, crowded sidewalks, or parks that are geared towards more family oriented activities. But the Township must prepare to get sued by the local soccer mom because "Billy" came home with a head injury because he did not wear his helmet while doing an "endo" at the park. These are your kids. Learn to take care of them. They get hurt? Well maybe next time they will wear protective gear. If they don't and get hurt again, maybe your kid is just one of those kids who likes scars. The world can't be full of doctors and scientists. It needs people to take away the garbage and rip movie tickets too. Stop ruining the fun stuff that kids like. As George Carlin said, "the pussification of this country is out of control." Well, he said something like that. James D'Arienzo
../readers_write/2003/030524_skbd_responsibility.htm
JOURNALIST SHOULD NOT BE SILENCED I am a regular viewer of News 12 and have seen local politicians at all levels participate in their shows, why should Jack be excluded? Although I may not always agree with what he has to say, he should not be "silenced." If there was a problem, a "ticker tape" crawl could have been added across the bottom of the screen reminding viewers he was also a councilman. T. McGuire
../readers_write/2003/030524_journalist_silenced.htm
PUBLICITY HELPS IN RUN FOR MAYOR "I have been assured by the producer of Friday's taping that at no time did Jack use the show as a means of furthering his agenda or political aspirations"...Except for publicity and name recognition that could help him in his bid for the local public office of MAYOR. Robert Thuss
../readers_write/2003/030525_publicity_helps.htm
Regarding Silenced You are absolutely right. What a shame!! Where is the free speech we were guaranteed??
../readers_write/2003/030525_free_speech.htm
WILL HARBOR BOND MONEY BE USED FOR LEGAL FEES? Dear Mr. Dean, As you state, last night the Town Council approved a $2.5 million bond ordinance for the possible expansion of the harbor. The bond, we were told, was a "mechanism" that allows the Borough to borrow money to purchase land around the harbor for a renovation that includes extra parking, a ferry terminal, recreation areas and possibly retail stores. All of which sounds wonderful! My fear is, after listening to some of the comments last night, that this money will be used to pay legal fees incurred by the Borough in battling the landowners around the harbor. As you say, neither Mr. Hess nor the Guiliani Brothers have expressed any interest in selling their land to the town. Now the town is threatening to take their property away through eminent domain. Mayor Harmon even commented that the Guiliani's might want to sell rather than deal with the toxic paint chips from the boats" that cover his property. Obviously a threat. Those landowners will definitely appeal such a move and the Borough could be paying legal fees for years. This is a disingenuous way to do business. Our tax dollars should not be spent on these constant legal wrangles. Over $100,000.00 was spent on fighting the Gate Cottage development on Route 36 and much more on closing "Pete's On The Bay". Mr. Hess and the Guiliani's are longtime residents, business owners and taxpayers. They should be dealt with honestly and fairly. After all, it IS their land. Thank you.
Carl J Nolan (editor's note: Mr. Nolan is a Candidate for Borough Council)
../readers_write/2003/030529_harbor_bond.htm
THE STAGGERING COST OF "SILENCE": ECONOMICS AND DEMOCRACY As a lifelong relatively “liberal” Democrat, longtime resident of Atlantic Highlands and an attorney who has represented a television station and some newspapers, I am deeply saddened and angered by the recent decision by News 12 New Jersey not to air any interviews that included Jack Archibald…or any other Atlantic Highlands public figure. While it is shocking to me that News 12 New Jersey would run from the issue, it is clear in these tough economic times the issue is one of the station not being able to monetarily afford to be “right”. The actual cost to News 12 New Jersey probably is higher, because its integrity has been diminished. The cost to Atlantic Highlands residents – who now cannot educate themselves by listening to our local figures in a neutral forum – is also significant. Alas, the integrity of the entirety of our entire local Democratic party has also been seriously challenged and compromised. How many local Democrats are feeling good about this situation? To seek to “win” through intimidation, defamation, and threats of ill-conceived legal actions does nothing to further what are supposed to be the cornerstones of democracy. I have been disgusted (and I am being “politic” in my use of words) over the petty and vicious bickering and name-calling that has become the hallmark of certain limited individuals that say they represent the local Democratic party. They do not…and they never will. (Might I suggest that if those at the root of this problem worked as hard as Jack and in a positive fashion and discussed actual issues, they might get the same exposure he does.) Tell me, am I supposed to vote for the Democratic candidates that these same people endorse or would I be voting to keep these rogues in power? And what about the “real” issues concerning our community? Jack works hard to write his column every week. He works hard as a councilman. And he works hard in his many other functions. Is he out there? You betcha. Does he enjoy it? You betcha. Are these factors as to why he is a politician? You can bank on it. More importantly however, he has the not only the desire, but the willingness and abilities to serve us. To be sure, this is not an endorsement of his all of his political views. Jack and I differ on many issues (as we also obviously agree on some), but I respect his views and respectfully disagree with some of them too. Hopefully through listening to, and discussion of, the positions and the disagreements surrounding same, both “sides” learn a little. Efforts to undercut this process can only lead to ignorance and conflict. We live in a wonderful and prosperous town. We have much to be proud of. Unfortunately, the impropriety of one (or a few) has undercut that which we all are working towards. Eric J. Goldring
../readers_write/2003/030529_harbor_bond.htm
Why should others not in the area of the "Silenced" voter be restricted and deprived from viewing the TV's broadcast of what the Atlantic Highlands Herald reporter had to say? He's not running for a state or national political position. He's not listed on my Primary Election Voters Ballot. Couldn't they just have blocked it out in the area of where he is on the ballots, if they insisted of not airing the canceled program, DUE TO CONFLICT OF INTERESTED IF THEY MUST DO THAT IF THERE WAS A FCC RULING THAT APPLIED TO SAME? Is there a FCC ruling of same? And if so, does the FCC ruling say to block it from ALL VIEWERS of the program? Does that mean that all types of reporters are not allowed to participate on ANY TV SHOW OR THE LIKE THROUGHOUT THE UNITED STATES, IF RUNNING FOR ANY OFFICE, NO MATTER HOW TERRITORIAL IT MAY BE, THAT IS THE OFFICE HE/SHE IS RUNNING FOR? IF A CANDIDATE FOR A TOWN OUTSIDE NJ MUST ALSO BE BLOCKED FROM BEING ON THIS TV PROGRAM IN NJ? IS THERE A FCC RULING STATING THIS? IF THE CANDIDATE/REPORTER IS NOT ON MY BALLOT SHOULD I BE DEPRIVED OF HEARING WHAT THE REPORTER HAS TO SAY? AND EVERYONE ELSE IN OUR STATE? WHAT HAPPENED TO FREEDOM OF SPEECH AS A REPORTER? ARE THEY SINGLED OUT? DOES IT SAY THIS IN THE FCC RULINGS? SHOULDN'T A CAMERAMAN OR THE LIKE HAVE THE SAME RULING, IF IT EXISTS, APPLIED TO THEM AS WELL AS WELL AS ANYONE ELSE CONNECTED WITH ANY TV SHOW? SAME WITH WRITERS OF COMEDY SHOWS THAT HAVE SHOWS THAT APPEAR ON TV TOO? A REPORTER SHOULD NOT BE SINGLED OUT IF ALL OF THESE ARE NOT ALSO SINGLED OUT, TOO. Curiously yours, Peggy Cox
../readers_write/2003/030529_not_voter_silenced.htm
OFFENSIVE TO CLAIM RIGHTS HAVE BEEN ABRIDGED Ambush? Mr. Archibald, there is no vast conspiracy against you. The show was in the can. The truth is that News 12 could have pulled the plug whether the producer hated your tie or your haircut or the way the set background looked on camera. It's their candy store. As it would appear, you (knowingly or not) violated some internal policy prohibiting candidates for public office from appearing on their air when not directly campaigning. It's their right and their call.What is truly offensive is Allan Dean's (and by implication, your) claim that your rights under the First Amendment to the Constitution have been abridged. An elementary look at that document would reveal that censorship is the province of a government. You were not silenced, sir. Your right to share your opinions and insights with the general public has not been abridged. There are myriad other avenues for you to express yourself. What you suffered was, perhaps, embarrassment. It was not censorship, and claiming it was is disrespectful to the spirit of that founding document. As a journalist, you should already be aware of the conflicts of interest inherent in publicly allying yourself with a political party while at the same time maintaining professional standards of impartiality. If your work consists solely of your op-ed column, then you should stop calling yourself a journalist and perhaps refer to yourself as simply a writer. By the way, when someone like columnist Pat Buchanan made his regular runs for the White House, he had to give up his forum on CNN for the duration of the campaign. Was that censorship? No. I am in my second decade as a broadcast journalist, and I am enjoined from participating in any activities which could provide a perception of bias. This can include anything from attending protest or support rallies to running for public office. As to Allan Dean's so-called "ethical dilemma," good. We should all face ethical dilemmas from time to time. It builds character. In my opinion, your ethical dilemma is now whether you can make lemonade from the single lemon you were handed. By all means, Mr. Archibald, continue to make your opinions known. As a citizen; as a writer; as a candidate; as an officeholder -- you have that right. How you identify yourself before stating those opinions will give those people providing a particular platform the information they need to direct your access. Kerry W. Nolan
../readers_write/2003/030529_rights_not_abridged.htm
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
*******************************************************
________________________________
Keansburg
________________________________ AREA ANNOUNCEMENTS: __________________________________________________ AHHerald CLASSIFIEDS
The Herald reaches 26,000
LOCAL readers each week.
EVENTS: __________________________________________________ CLUBS AND ORGANIZATIONS
For a complete listing of area clubs, and
organizations
click here: 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 A H H E R A L D
The Atlantic Highlands Herald
Community Websites The editor wishes to acknowledge and correct mistakes made in this electronic newspaper and on the AHHerald web pages. If you find an error, please send email to: editor@ahherald.com If you would like to
receive a free subscription to the Atlantic Highlands
Herald each week via email, complete the subscription
request form found at:
../subscribe.htm To be removed from the email list, simply reply with Remove in the subject line. Copyright 2003, Allan Dean, All Rights Reserved.
If you
chose to print this publication, please use recycled
paper. | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| ||||||
