BELMAR, NJ – With the weatherman's offering of sunny skies and a northwest breeze, 2,404 road racers competed in the 28th annual Belmar Five Mile Run (now designated as the Johnny Cobb Memorial Run) on the good-racing-weather morning of July 10th. The event is presented by the Belmar Improvement Fund and Jersey Shore Running Club (JSRC) in cooperation with the Borough of Belmar.

Gene Mitchell crosses finish line

After a fine rendition of the Star-Spangled Banner by Dawn Ciccone of Highlands, and a slight delay due to the Association of Volleyball Professionals (AVP) also being in town, the racers dashed from their Second and Ocean Avenue starting area, just beyond the Shark River Bridge and proceeded south on Ocean Avenue to and around Lake Como, returned to 6th Avenue, meandered around Silver Lake and finished at the digital clock, set up by Dan Brannen and associates of Morristown, on Fifth and Ocean Avenues. Gene Mitchell of Franklin Lakes crossed the finish line first with a racing time of 24:48 (24 minutes and 48 seconds) followed by Normandy Beach's Scott Defilippis at 25:05 and third was the 2002 and 2003 champion Anthony Benedictis of Roselle Park at 25:06. Rounding out the top five males were Matt Byrne 25:08 and Steve Gourley 25:15, both of Philadelphia. Although there was a slight mixup on the finishing leg of the course, the leaders dealt with it and agreed that it didn't change the outcome. (photos by Bob Both, NJRC)

"I'm satisfied - I'm training for the New York Marathon," said Mitchell when asked his thoughts on his winning time. "I ran this race two years ago and this is a whole lot better than it was two years ago," Michell said in commenting on the weather. Today's champion further offered that his best effort for a 5-mile distance was 23:41 in 1992 at a road race in Boston. and that his time for last year's New York Marathon was 2 hours and 30 minutes and was 43rd overall.

Julie Cully crosses finish line.

Julie Cully of Lebanon, NJ, was the women's winner at 28:28. "This is it," she said when asked her best time for a like effort, but admitted she had only run one five-mile race prior to this and that her time for that was somewhere in the 30 minute area. "I liked it a lot - it's fun being at the beach, and the lakes break up the sraightaways and make it interesting and picturesque," Cully said in describing the course Rounding out the top five for the women: Amanda Mitchell 28:38, Ardmore, PA; Liane M. Sullivan, Portland, OR; Cheri Kenah 28:48, Reston, VA; KC Meehan 28:52, Brick Township. Wheelchair competitors use the same course but they start 30 seconds sooner than the regular start and of the two competing, Andrew Phillips of Flemington at 27:50 beat Edwardo Bahamonole of Pompton Plains who scored a 31:25. Ocean Township’s Bob Hayes, veteran on the Shore area racing scene, and a member of the JSRC, was in at 44:46. "The sun was a bit strong , but not bad and the humidity was low so that was good, “ said Hayes, dairy manager of Foodtown of West End, in Long Branch, in commenting on the weather. Hayes had a 31:15 on this course in the mid 1980’s he proudly informed.

"I've run it 22 times in a row, so I like it," said Tom Wendell, past president of Freehold Area Running Club and involved in the timing activities of FARC summer series of races at Battlefield Park in Manalapan, in commenting on the race. "I dig the people (residents) on the course, they create a festive atmosphere, and it makes it fun," he said. "It's gorgeous - like a day in September," he added when asked his thoughts on the weather. Wendell's racing time was 42:37.

New Jersey state trooper Tim Mahoney, director of the Jersey Shore 9-11 Memorial Run, informed: "Well, as you know I live here in Belmar, so Belmar has a special place in my heart - the course is the same as it has been for some time and I was a lttle apprehensive with the volleyball being in town, but everything worked out wonderful, great weather, great support." Mahoney's Memorial Run is designed to memorialize all from the Jersey Shore who were lost on that fateful day and is scheduled for September 11, at 6 p.m. on the Belmar boardwalk

Dave Demonico, champion of many Shore area road races, the Rumson Run staged in early May being a recent five miler that he won, was chatting with hometown friends from South River, while enjoying refreshments and was abrupt in saying, "The course is great and they finally got the damned volleyball people off the course so we could get our race started." The 8:30 a.m scheduled start was delayed about ten minutes due to AVP vehicles on Ocean Avenue that had to be removed. Demonico's time today of 27:25 was good for 39th place overall. "It's scenic - we have the ocean and the lakes and the people along the way cheer us on and play music that we like," said Dawn Ciccone of Highlands, today's National Anthem vocalist, whose racing time was 37:01.

Steve Foley, Oceanport, director of the Run Thru Deal presented annually in October, finished at 35:02 and was very pleased with that time."It's a nice course - you get to run along the ocean, you go around two lakes - there's a fair amount of shade in the fourth mile," he said of the course and of the weather: "Compared to other years, it's pretty good."

"The course is fine - I like running around the two lakes in different directions," said Long Branch's Marilyn Ryder, active member of the JSRC, and mother-in-law of Phil Hinck, race director. "Going north on Ocean Avenue there was a breeze right in your face, and it was welcome!" she exclaimed on the weather.

Four water spots were available at the mile-marker areas organized by Bob Hyer, past-president of FARC and they were serviced respectively by volunteers from the FARC; the New Jersey Natural Gas; the Boy Scouts of Belmar; the Atlantic Club..

Several teams of four members each also entered this event. Each team totalled their members' racing times and divided by four to get the average and the lowest score was won by the Piladelphia Track Club Puma with its members: Matt Byrne, Steve Gourley, Tim Callinan and Ted Callinan posting a 25:53.

Joyce Ciallella, secretary of the Belmar Improvement Fund, a beneficiary, was on hand to inform that among other projects already accomplished, such as the skateboard rink and the E Street playground, scholarship and firemen funding, the continuing plan is to provide a decorative footbridge over Silver Lake.

Belmar First-Aid Squad, in the person of Lieutenant Rick Hines, reported that a runner on the course had to be taken to the Jersey Shore Medical Center but he did not think it was serious. "A few were treated here at the Park for sprains and such and released - other than that it was a nice day, well organized.” he said.

The annual event began on Friday evening, July 11, at the Silver Lake Park across from Taylor Pavilion, both of which served as the event’s staging areas. It included a Fitness Walk for adults, twice around the lake, and a series of Kids Races for nearly 200 youngsters ages 3 to 14 in distances 40 to 440 yards, organized by John MacGilivary, past NJ representative of the Road Runners Club of America. The children were greeted by PBS and Nickelodeon TV characters Clifford The Big Red Dog and Blues Clues. Needless to say there were many exuberant, cheering parents and grandparents present, making use of cameras to perpetuate on film the future Olympians’ activities. Matt Krokosz, with his wife Cristin of Wall Township, parents of 2 1/2 year old Carly who competed this evening, summed the Kids' Races up best commenting about his adorable daughter, "When she's happy; we're happy!"

Tim McLoone, race announcer and emcee, along with JSRC members, awarded money, Reebok Goody Bag and Belmar Five towels to the winners and age-group leaders at the Huisman Gazebo located in the park adjacent to Silver Lake. Fred and Anna Torres of Eliteracingsystems.com, Clifton, were the professional organizers of the computer results.

"I want to thank all our volunteers, especially the race committee, and the members of the Jersey Shore Running Club, and other area running clubs for their know-how efforts. I want to acknowledge the necessary financial support of all our sponsors and to recognize the continued support of the Borough ot Belmar and its residents. I want to offer a special appreciation to my wife, Penny. Thanks to the many participants this year. The success of the race will allow it to present an annual scholarship in memory of Johnny Cobb for deserving St. Rose students," said Phil Hinck, race director, and past president of the Jersey Shore Running Club in final comments.

The 2004 Belmar Five Mile Run is named in memory of long-time Belmar resident, Johnny Cobb. In addition to being an originator of the race, he had a 25-year career in the Belmar Police Department, was a graduate and supporter of the St. Rose School system and promoted local sports all of his life.

Other area leading finishers of the 5-mile challenge:

Belmar: Edward Alburtus 30:57 (104th place overall), Jim Mcgoldrick 32:18, James Redeker 32:33, Neil Gerard 33:53, Walter MacGowan 35;11, Missy Capone 35:28, Adele McDonough 35:51, Larry Schauer 36:04, Michael Viola 36:11, Alex Rospos 36:31, Bill Taylor 36:43, Christopher Bostian 36:55, John Walsh 37:24, Aedan Nielsen 37:35, Edward Bonder 38:01, Jerry Ferrara 38:02, Larry Sinkovich 38:12, Dann Weidenfeld 38:23, Joe M. Dias 38:34, Emily Boucher 38:57, Eric Boucher 39:00, Fiona Brabazon 39:11, Mark Fromer 39:52, Vincent Balestrieri 40:04, Jams Kaufman 40:35, Manny Pinho 40:58, David Valiaveedan 41:17, John G. Fenimore 41:32, Thomas Reilly 41:34, Joseph Mcevoy 41:40, Joe Hollywood 41:44, Shanna Nolan 41:46, Kristin Wolfnuller 41:56, John Mcsweeney 42:04 (950th place).

Neptune: Richard Brugger Jr. 32:08 (136th place), Joseph Renzella 35:20, Tara Mcbarron 37:11, Steve Sikorski 37:14, Italo Villacia 37:27, Suzanne Grabowski 38:57, Kevin M. Cusick 39:41, Jenne Keating 39:45, Brian Mansfield 42:02 (945th place).

Red Bank: David Richards 31:21 (117th place), Kaathleen Clifton 31:47, Renee Tolan 32:48, Dave Wrede 34:06, Pete Visceglia 34:12, Bill Clifton 34:35, William Marte 36:50, Eric Campbell 38:10, Rickie Dimaio 38:35, dan Littleton 38:37, Ryan Biasi 38:40, mary Beth Glaccum 38:56, Gregory Smith 39:33, gerard Morgan 39:35, Kevin Frost 40:05, Meghan Mcgrath 40:22, Michael Buchanan 40:43, Pete Vissceglia 40:49, Kelly Hogan 41:33, Lisa Neville 41:54 (925th place).

Middletown: Jeffrey Peterson 26:29 (22nd place), Alex Fowlie 26:16, Michael Durso 28:37, Vincent DeLucia 35:33, John Stahl 36:36, Kerry Gillespie 37:05, Bill Barillari 37:45, Carol Buchanno 37:55, Tim Geiselman 38:15, Patrick K Casey 39:12, William Rinehart 39:17, Allison Halsey 39:42, Vincent Beese 39:45, Martin Dugan 39:47, Alexander Povalski 39:53, Erin Lunny 39:58, Bob Small 40:25, kathy Porzio 40:38, Glen Cavanaugh 41:06, Karl Lavin 41:38 (890th place).

Others (southern): Rob Defilippis 26:24, Tinton Falls ( 20th place); Steve Ludking 31:13, Spring Lake; Michael Badger 32:03, Ocean Grove; Dionisio Diaz 33:22, Asbury Park; Dan Tafro 33:33, Ocean; Kevin Kelly 33:51, Spring Lake; Lauren Kerensky 33:54, Ocean; Thomas McInerney 34:04, Thomas Rende 34:12 and Patrick McIntyre 34:20, Spring Lake; John Paradise 35:20, Interlaken; Jeff Stapleton 35:23 and Robert Galizio 36;05, Spring Lake; Kirk Kerensky 36:06, Ocean; Gregory Augustino 36:18, Ocean Grove; John Vierbuohen 36:26, Spring Lake; Patrick Mchugh 36:29, Avon; Betty Shonts 36:30 and Joseph Toryk 36:49, Bradley Beach; Daniel Carragher 36:58 and Ellen Moore 36:59, Spring Lake; Bob Dominick 37:20, Tinton Falls; Jeff Ragle 37:47, Ocean; Stephen Luzzi 38:17, Spring Lake; Dorothy Lurch 38:37, Avon; Frank Russo Alesi 38:38, Spring Lake; Peggy Schaab 38:43 and John Omalley 38:46, Avon; Jennifer Golia 38:47, Ocean; Katie Joy Thomas 39:17, Ocean Grove; William Slater 39:31 and Tracy Donnelly 39:39, Spring Lake; Frank Nichols 39:39, Tinton Falls; Scott Moyer 39:47, Ocean Grove; Dean Shonts 40:00, Bradley Beach; Debbie Hummel 40:03, Ocean Grove; Kenneth Ritz 40:08, Michael Mandell 40:33 and John Elbrecht Jr. 40:44, Tinton Falls; Jennifer Roycroft 40:45, Ocean; Gary Thomas Engelstad 41:09, Bradley Beach; Patrick Mastrorilli 41:21, Spring Lake; James Benkoic 41:22 and Michael Zareva 41:35, Avon; David McLaughlin 41:47, Allenhurst; Steve Westhoven 41:53, Avon; Kristin Phoebus 41:57, Spring Lake; Elizabeth Gwynne 41:59, Allenhurst; John Sammon 41:59, Bradley Beach (939th place).

Others (northern): Dickson Mercer 27:16 (32nd place) and Geoffrey Harrison 28:40, Fair Haven; Dylen Bartlett 28;48, Little Silver; Harold Nolan 29:18, Navesink; Henry Mercer 29:45, Fair Haven; Joseph Cauvin 31:11, Atl. Highlands; Brendan Kirchner 31:56 and Joseph Strempek 34:43, Rumson; Michael Victor Shaheen 35:17, Little Silver; Kim G. Myers 35:18 and Al Smuda 35:48, Highlands; Maximilian Sparshatt 36:01, Rumson; Janet Walsh Burpee 36:12 and Harper Coles 36;13, Fair Haven; Michael mamus 36:36 and Wilson Beebe 37:01, Rumson; Christine Livingston 37:09, Little Silver; Louis Romeo 37:27, Port Monmouth; Emily Hayes 38:43 and Andrea Plaza 39:40, Little Silver; Samantha Obrien 39:50 and Bill Obrien 39:53, Rumson; Sharon Dunn 40:07, Highlands; Crystal Irwin 41:42, Keansburg; Roger Graham 41:56, Little Silver (930th place).

Road racers have the Neptune City Day 5K on August 2 at 8:00 a.m., info call 732-776-7224.

LINCROFT, NJ —   Brookdale's Higher Education Centers will offer on-site registration for the Fall 2004 semester.
New and continuing students, including those needing to meet with a Student Development Specialist for course approvals, may receive services at the Centers on the following dates;

../news/2004/0715/bcc_fall_reg.htm 
PRINT THIS ARTICLE 

---

13.  FOOD DRIVE AND FREE CONCERT ON THE BEACH ARE RE-SCHEDULED TO WEDNESDAY, JULY 21

POINT PLEASANT BEACH, NJ  — The FoodBank of Monmouth and Ocean counties and Diane Turton, Realtors will be collecting such non-perishable food items as cereal, canned meat, vegetables and fruits, peanut butter and powered milk at Jenkinson's Inlet Beach in Point Pleasant Beach before the Festival of the Atlantic concert. The 50-piece Orchestra of St. Peter by the Sea, which is directed by Father Alphonse Stephenson, will present a free performance under the stars. The concert begins at 7:30 p.m. For more details about the concert and food drive, please contact 732-892-7702. Shown in the photo are left to right: Ellen Koment, event coordinator for the FoodBank, Diane Turton, broker of record at Diane Turton, Realtors, and Father Alphonse. Shown in the photo are left to right: Ellen Koment, event coordinator for the FoodBank, Diane Turton, broker of record at Diane Turton, Realtors, and Father Alphonse.

../news/2004/0715/food_drive.htm 
PRINT THIS ARTICLE 

---

14.  DEP ANNOUNCES NEW DRINKING WATER PROTECTIONS FOR OCEAN AND MONMOUTH COUNTIES

TRENTON, NJ —   New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) Commissioner Bradley M. Campbell this week announced the final adoption of regulations providing the state's highest level of protection for 14 streams and rivers that provide drinking water for residents in Monmouth and Ocean counties.

"These streams and rivers are another major accomplishment we've achieved to protect our drinking water for Monmouth and Ocean counties and statewide," said Commissioner Campbell. "New Jersey is fortunate to have a Governor providing the vision and leadership to recognize that we are stewards of water resources for future generations."

The streams and river segments that provide drinking water to the Manasquan and Brick Reservoirs will now receive "Category One" (C1) designation, which prevents any measurable deterioration in existing water quality, limiting development impacts and discharges to streams.  The Manasquan and Brick Reservoirs provide drinking water to over 230,000 residents of the state.

"The importance of this designation to our community cannot be underestimated," said Joseph Scarpelli, Mayor of Brick Township.  "The Metedeconk River is the most invaluable natural resource in Brick Township, supplying our residents with the majority of their drinking water, as well as recreational and economic opportunities. I thank Governor McGreevey on behalf of our community for his commitment to the environment and protecting the Metedeconk River."

In addition to the 14 Monmouth and Ocean County waterways adopted, DEP is increasing water quality protections for 15 waterbodies in Bergen County and Hunterdon County.

The adoption of C1 designations for the waterbodies in Ocean, Monmouth, Bergen and Hunterdon counties is just one element of Governor James E. McGreevey's continuing effort to improve the overall quality of life in New Jersey, such as fighting sprawl, preserving open space and protecting our state's drinking water.

Last year, Governor McGreevey adopted rules that designated nine reservoirs totaling 7, 865 acres and six stream segments totaling 82 rivers as C1 waterways. This was the first time ever that any Governor applied C1 protection to drinking water resources.

The C1 designation for the waterbodies located in Monmouth, Ocean, Bergen and Hunterdon Counties will be effective on August 2, 2004.

Below is a list of streams and rivers in Monmouth and Ocean counties that have received C1 protection:

Metedeconk River including,
Clear Stream
Dicks Brook
Hay Stack Brook
Muddy Ford Brook
Titmouse Brook

Manasquan River including,
Bear Swamp Brook
Long Swamp Brook
Marsh Bog Brook
Mingamahone Brook
Squankum Brook
Timber Swamp Brook
unnamed Manasquan Reservoir tributaries

Below is a list of streams and rivers in Bergen and Hunterdon Counties that have received C1 protection:

Bergen County

Pascack Brook
Hackensack River including,
Cresskill Brook
Tennakill Brook
Lake Tappan
Woodcliff Lake
unnamed Oradell Reservoir tributaries

Hunterdon County

Alexauken Creek
Harihokake Creek
Little Nishisakawick Creek
Lockatong Creek
Lopatcong Creek
Nishisakawick Creek
Pohatcong Creek
Wickecheoke Creek

../news/2004/0715/dep_drinking_water.htm 
PRINT THIS ARTICLE 

---

15.  TASTE OF THE ARTS SERIES PRESENTS POET VIRGINIA BRYAN IN ATLANTIC HIGHLANDS

ATLANTIC HIGHLANDS, NJ  — Atlantic Highlands, NJ – The Atlantic Highlands Council of the Arts would like to invite you to a poetry reading by Virginia Bryan author of “Pathways to my Heart and Soul.” The event will take place Sunday, July 25th from 4pm-6pm at the historical Strauss House located at 27 Prospect Ave, Atlantic Highlands. Refreshments will be served.

Virginia is the founder of a children’s creative writing and visual arts group “Words, Creativity – Things N Me”. She is also the editor/owner of two literary newsletters “Artistic Views and Literary Focus and has hosted many adult writing groups. Virginia grew up in South Carolina and many of her poems from the book tell of her life growing up in the south. Virginia’s work is very touching and in tune with nature and allows the reader believe it is ok to stop and smell the roses.

The Atlantic Highlands Arts Council will be hosting, the last Sunday of every month, a “Taste of the Arts”. The poetry reading is the second event. The first event was quilting in the harbor which was a great success and a lot of fun. August’s event will be held on the 29th, dancing in the Gazebo with MTM Dance Factory. To stay informed, stop in Atlantic Highlands Borough Hall where upcoming events will be posted.

The Council of the Arts was established by Mayor Donohue to enhance the community’s quality of life by strengthening the role of the arts in the lives of area residents. The Council is committed to organizing local events to celebrate artists of all mediums of Monmouth County and New Jersey. Led by a group of creative and energetic individuals, the Council welcomes ideas and participation from Atlantic Highland's residents. We meet every third Wednesday of the month at Borough Hall.

../news/2004/0715/ah_arts_bryan.htm 
PRINT THIS ARTICLE 

---

16.  STEAMBOATS TO THE SHORE IS TOPIC OF MIDDLETOWN TOWNSHIP HISTORICAL SOCIETY MEETING

 

MIDDLETOWN, NJ  — The topic for the Middletown Township Historical Society's July meeting will be Timothy J. McMahon speaking on Steamboats to the Shore.

The program will be held on Monday, July 19th, 7:30 p.m. at the MacLeod-Rice House at Croydon Hall, Leonardo section of Middletown Township, Monmouth County. All are welcome to attend - light refreshments will be served. For more information, check the website: http://www.home.earthlink.net/~lmpoll/ or via email middletownhist@earthlink.net.

Our current exhibit "Our Road to Liberty" is open on Sundays, 1-4 p.m. at the MacLeod-Rice House.

../news/2004/0715/mths_steamboats.htm 
PRINT THIS ARTICLE 

---

17.  WORLD PREMIERE OF "LIL' MISS SPITFIRE" THE UNTOLD STORY OF ANNIE SULLIVAN WILL BE PERFORMED AT OCEAN GROVE

by ALLAN DEAN

OCEAN GROVE, NJ —  Many people know the story of Helen Keller - a blind and deaf girl who became one of history's remarkable women - and her remarkable teacher Anne Sullivan through the telling of "The Miracle Worker." 

Now a musical has been produced by three area teachers that tells us more about Annie Sullivan.  "Lil' Miss Spitfire: The Musical" the story of Anne Sullivan was written, produced and directed by Robert and Samantha Talmage and Eva Szakal. 

"A few years ago, someone asked me if I knew the story of Annie Sullivan, recalled Robert Talmage, an ASCAP songwriter who has produced plays including the popular, "Who is This Man?" which is shown during the holidays at area churches.  "I did a little digging and found this incredible story," said Talmage.

Samantha and Robert Talmage have written a musical based on the life of Helen Keller's famous teacher, Annie Sullivan. Performances will be held at Jersey Shore Arts Center, Ocean Grove.

Sullivan was a partially blind daughter of Irish immigrant farmers.  Her younger brother Jimmy was disabled with tuberculosis.  Shortly after arriving in Feeding Hill, Massachusetts,  her mother died from the disease.  Sullivan's destitute father put the children in a "poorhouse" in Tewksbury.  Jimmy died shortly thereafter. In a chance meeting with Massachusetts State Charities Board Director Frank Sanborn, Sullivan begged to be allowed to go to school.  A week later, the girl, unable to read or right, was enrolled in the Perkins School of the Blind. She was a difficult student - a regular lil' spitfire.  Despite long odds she excelled as a student and became class valedictorian and eventual the teacher of another difficult student - Helen Keller. The musical tells Sullivan's story through 28 original songs performed by an eight piece orchestra under the direction of Eva Szakal, a teacher in Toms River.  Samantha Talmage, a music teacher at Atlantic Highlands Elementary School, wrote the script and her husband, Robert, a teacher in Fair Haven, composed the songs.  Ironically, while working on the script, Samantha was diagnosed with glaucoma. "It is unbelievable. It seems like we were meant to tell this story," said Robert. "We also have an opportunity to perform the show for the staff and students at the Perkins School for the Blind in Boston...the very school Annie and Helen attended!"

"Lil Miss Spitfire: The Musical" will be performed at the Jersey Shore Arts Center in Ocean Grove.  The Center is located in the former Neptune High School building.  The building was slated for demolition until a foundation stepped in and renovated the 600-seat Victorian auditorium.

Performances begin at 7:30 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays, July 30 & 31 and August 6 & 7.  Saturday matinees will be performed beginning at 2:00 p.m. on July 31 and August 7. Advanced tickets are $18 general admission, $15 for seniors, children and groups.  $20 day of the show.  Call the Jersey Shore Arts Center box office at the 732-502-0153 for tickets.

../news/2004/0715/spitfire.htm 
PRINT THIS ARTICLE 

---

18.  LOCAL RED CROSS WORKERS RESPOND TO SOUTH JERSEY FLOODING

TINTON FALLS, NJ  —  More than a foot of rain fell across parts of the Northeastern U.S. on Monday (July 12) causing record flooding and forcing hundreds from their homes. No injuries have been reported in the inundated portions of New Jersey, but dams have burst, homes were submerged and people had to evacuate to Red Cross shelters or other temporary housing.

American Red Cross volunteers are responding throughout the affected areas, bringing emergency relief supplies and shelter to flood victims. The rupture of dams caused widespread devastation in south-central New Jersey, the region hardest hit by the floods. Many of the dams in the region hold small reservoirs in low-lying residential areas, which were also swamped by more than a foot of rainfall.

Red Cross officials reported significant damage to both homes and vehicles. More than 800 NJ homes are affected and residents were evacuated from their homes and from the roofs of cars stalled on flooded roads.

Red Cross volunteers from Monmouth and Ocean Counties have responded to assist in helping the flood victim’s recovery. Dennis Textor, Manahawkin and Joe Rafetto, Red Bank and Linda Toop, Lincroft responded with an Emergency Response Vehicle (ERV) bringing food to flood victims and emergency workers. Jane Keely, Toms River and Sharyn Kashuck, Lakewood went to the scene and worked at the shelter at Lenape High School in Medford. Keely specialized in Mass Care and Kashuck as a nurse. Bill Beatty, Disaster Director at the Jersey Coast Chapter is assisting in the efforts as Family Service Officer. Coordinating this effort from the office are Beckie Burlew, Disaster Coordinator and Nancy Orlando, Director of Volunteers.

All Red Cross Disaster Relief Assistance is provided free of charge through the generous donations of time and money by the American people. To help the victims of this and other disasters, financial donations may be made to the American Red Cross Disaster Relief Fund. You can send your donation to P.O. Box 131, Tinton Falls, New Jersey 07724-0131.

../news/2004/0715/arc_flooding.htm 
PRINT THIS ARTICLE 

---

SEND US YOUR NEWS editor@ahherald.com -email

---

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

View Archive ../worship.htm Area Houses of Worship

A Person of Ideas and an Ideologue

A PERSON OF IDEAS AND AN IDEOLOGUE

These days we often hear praise for the people that have ideas. We want the people that we hire, the people that we work with, the people that we listen to, and the people that teach our children to be people of ideas. We find that people that have many ideas – either ideas that have been gathered from reading/studying or innovative ideas – magnetize the people around them.

While people of ideas are praised, it is the kiss of death to be labeled an ideologue by anyone. An ideology is considered narrow and incessantly driven. Yet the more I listen, the more I see that an ideology is a stigmatizing term for any system of thinking that you do not agree with. It is the attacking code word. It is right wing or left wing ideology of politics or the fundamentalist or liberal ideology of theology.

In churches as in politics these days we talk about the great divide. This great divide is demonstrated with the greatest force during convention times. Most of the denominations have annual or biannual meetings. These are times when denominations should show their unity, their togetherness, and when those moments are present, inevitably, the great divide comes in.

Since the United States is still considered the most religious country in the world, our religious meetings are filled with politics and our political meetings are filled with religion. It is as difficult to be apolitical inside a church as it is to become non-religious when you attend a town meeting. Yet I find that it is one’s ideology or system of thinking that shapes both our politics and religion.

In America today we have two ideologies – one that argues that everything has to be voted by the majority - fifty one percent or two thirds majority. Humanity reigns supreme and everything is determined by the majority vote of the community or the courts. Within the last fifty years the sins of the past have become virtues – gambling, lottery, divorce, living together, abortion, homosexual marriage. There are a few sins left but these are being nibbled at – incest, pedophilia, polygamy and euthanasia. The other ideology is that morality and behavior are based on absolutes. The absolutes are given by the Creator who said: I am the Lord and I do not change! Thou shall not steal is an absolute! The management who bankrupted Enron stole from the company, the computer hackers steal from any data base they can go in, and the people who double their break-time at the owner’s expense steal by not working.

Two people open the Bible. One believes that the Bible is the word of God being addressed to us and that God has authority over us. The other person opens the Bible and believes that he has the authority over this Bible, which he considers a compilation of human wisdom which can be tested and discarded. Billy Graham believes that the resurrection of the Lord Jesus Christ is the center of the Christian faith and he preached the message for over 60 years. On the other hand, Bishop John Spong of Newark believes that resurrection cannot happen and he has proposed a new reading of the Bible.

I listen to many political commentators and guests. I find that people are not willing to respond to certain questions because they do not consider the answering of the question important. What they consider important is presenting their ideology.

In the midst of this great divide in religion, politics, ethics and economical status, God pleads with each one of us: Come let us reason together, come let us hear one another out!

../pastor/2004/pc040715_ideas.htm
PRINT THIS ARTICLE 

---

BODY POLITIC by Jack Archibald, Atlantic Highlands  Councilman

View past articles jack@ahherald.com

THE SLEAZE AT THE TOP

It had to be the strangest coincidence ever.  In a meeting with a New Jersey farmer, Governor Jim McGreevey discovered that both he and the farmer shared a passion for literature.  His passion for the classics brought another gigantic cloud over his administration and has fueled speculation that our governor won’t even finish his term.

The fact that McGreevey has read “The Prince” by Machiavelli is not surprising, but his disclosure couldn’t have come at a worse time.  In an audience of three people- one armed with a wire- McGreevey (or state official number 1) it is alleged that he assured his patron that the state could inflate the value of his farm and drive up the purchase price according to the governors critics. In return for such a favor, all the gentleman farmer had to do was set aside $40,000 for state official number 1.  This state official was to confirm his knowledge of the scheme by mentioning Machiavelli some time during the meeting.

Lo and behold, McGreevey chose that meeting to let New Jersey residents in on one of his favorite authors.  As if that scam needed to be topped, his chief fund-raiser was indicted this week on charges that he impeded a federal investigation of possible illegal campaign contributions.  The complaint alleges that Charles Kushner set up his accountant and brother in law in an effort to silence them, but also he used call girls and videotaped their actions along the way.

Its bad enough that the Democrats have given New Jersey residents their worst budget in years, but the sleaze at the top won’t stop. McGreevey and his Trenton buddies refuse to put through any meaningful play to pay legislation, his aides get indicted in billboard scams, and each week another fund raiser is accused of impropriety by the government. The lack of ethics in the McGreevey administration is embarrassing, and if the target identified as “state official #1” really did take a bribe, then he should resign immediately.

Until the Governor comes clean about his role in the farmland preservation scheme, he will be guilty in the public eye. In any event, it’s too late for any honor or integrity to be restored to this administration and November 2005 is a long way off.  On the positive side, New Jersey residents can enjoy their own summer reading book club- started by “state official #1”

../bodypolitic/2004/bp040715_sleaze.htm  
PRINT THIS ARTICLE 

---

AT LARGE by Woody Zimmerman woody@ahherald.com

View Archive

FISHING FOR QUARTERS:
THE CANDIDATE FOR SMALLER GOVERNMENT

A woman named Elizabeth Robson recently wrote a letter to our local newspaper, The Loudon Observer Xpress. She said the American Colonies rebelled because the British king was so far away, dictating laws with no idea what Americans’ lives were like. The states, she averred, were meant to deal with “…stuff that affects our lives on a daily basis”.

She wrote very passionately about big government today. Allowing that “…I might be remembering my civics and US history wrong”, Miss Robson complained that the President, who has “…no clue what my life is like, is calling all the shots. He’s never commuted to work…never once driven on the Beltway…in rush hour traffic. When was the last time he had to fish around for quarters under his front seat, to try and get enough gas in the tank to last until payday?”

Miss Robson denounced the transfer of her taxes to the Federal government instead of their retention in Virginia. She concluded by saying,

We need to get back to the basics of what our founding fathers wanted this country to be. We need to give power back to the citizen. I will be voting for John Kerry in the upcoming election because I am so scared of what will happen if the current administration remains in power. Let’s get the power back to the states and stop allowing the federal government to dictate like monarchs...

*****

Miss Robson’s fairly breathtaking analysis prompted me to reply to her letter. Because my reply to The Loudoun Observer was necessarily abbreviated, I decided to write a more fulsome reply in this space – thereby (hopefully) clarifying matters misunderstood not only by Miss Robson, but possibly by others as well.

Of course, some of what Miss Robson said was correct. It is true that we revolted against a powerful government that was remote from the people and their concerns. Ultimately, we formed a nation whose states had power over matters that were of concern to citizens who lived on farms and in small communities. This was our Constitutional Republic. States and the people retained all powers and rights not specifically granted to the Federal government. (See Constitutional Amendments 9 and 10.¹)

Obviously the President does not fish for quarters under the seat of his car to pay for gas. Rarely could such a candidate for the office be found. It’s possible Mr. Bush commuted to work at one time, but we won’t strain at the point. Unarguably, the Federal government today has far more power over us than was ever envisioned by the nation’s Founders. It extracts a great deal of tax from all of us. I like it no more than Miss Robson does.
States’ Rights is not a new issue, of course. We fought a war over it. Virginia sided with the states that wanted more autonomy. They failed in their attempt to form a separate country, but even in losing they still had far more power than they do today.

Where Miss Robson reveals that she missed a few history and civics classes, however, is in her conclusions of how we got where we are, who is responsible, and who will correct it. She might be surprised to learn that George Bush and the Republican Party did not invent big government. Its size and scope long predates them. Indeed, most of it was actually enacted by Democrats.

Early in the 20th century, when the USA started to be a world power, our government began to change in the ways Mrs. Robson dislikes. Woodrow Wilson, a Democratic president during World War I, enacted many aspects of the strong Federal model that are still with us. He did it by invoking war emergency powers granted to him by the Congress. During Mr. Wilson’s presidency, the income tax and the 16th Amendment² that enabled it were enacted to tax the incomes of “the rich”. This unwise act of envy politics comes back to bite us every April 15th.

Franklin Roosevelt – another Democrat – vastly expanded the Federal government’s powers and role during the Great Depression and World War II. FDR gave us the Social Security – originally a trivial tax (I paid the maximum $200 in 1964), but now a ravening monster that extracts thousands a year from even moderate wage earners. FDR also gave us tax withholding and welfare entitlements. His legacy is the modern big government model we have today.

In the 1960s, LBJ, also a Democrat, gave us the Great Society and its well-intentioned programs, including Medicare. We have spent trillions of dollars on them. (This is where those taxes go that Miss Robson wants to keep in Virginia.) LBJ was also the fourth Democratic president in the 20th century to involve us in a protracted war. (Surprise!)

20th Century Big Three of War and Big Government

Wilson	FDR	LBJ

True, Republican presidents – e.g., Nixon, Reagan, and both Presidents Bush – have not done much to slow down the big government express. But no president can spend a nickel unless the Congress explicitly legislates it. For the sixty-two years spanning 1933-1995, the Republican Party fully controlled the Congress for only four years. For the rest of that time, Democrats were so solidly in control that most politicians and voters considered Democratic congresses the “normal” political situation.

Democrats have done most of the taxing and spending that mark the big, remote, expensive, unaccountable government Mrs. Robson is angry about. She is hilariously off track in thinking that John Kerry would redress that situation. All of his political instincts are otherwise.

Mr. Kerry is possibly the most liberal Senator in the country. New programs he has proposed just during his campaign would cost $1 trillion or more. Whatever he might be saying about “empowering the people” (or other similarly vague statements), he believes in big government to his core. I also doubt that Mr. Kerry – married to an heiress worth $900 million – has ever fished for gas money under the front seat. If he has, it certainly wasn’t lately.

I won’t say Mr. Bush is a champion of smaller government, but at least he is committed to – and has worked hard to enact – a smaller tax burden on all citizens. He also wants to reform the Social Security. Democrats have lashed him severely on both issues. Mr. Kerry is on record saying he will roll back Mr. Bush’s tax cuts. Democrats are the party of higher taxes. Moreover, they will die before letting anyone touch their precious Social Security, even though it is fiscally unsound and doomed to crash, by mid-century, (due to under-funding) in its present form.

Neither party advocates truly limited federal government. That is long past – never to return. Being a great power precludes it. Mrs. Robson needs to understand that. She should also realize that the Democratic Party is assuredly not the party of less government – John Kerry least of all.

In her letter Miss Robson said that hers was a two-income family. If so, they are some of the “rich” that Democrats rail against. The joke will be on them if Mr. Kerry is elected.

Not the Candidate
For Smaller Government
(nor fishing for quarters)

---

1. Amendment IX. The enumeration in the Constitution, of certain rights, shall not be construed to deny or disparage others retained by the people.
   
   Amendment X. The powers not delegated to the United States by the Constitution, nor prohibited by it to the states, are reserved to the states respectively, or to the people.
    
2. Amendment XVI. The Congress shall have power to lay and collect taxes on incomes, from whatever source derived, without apportionment among the several states, and without regard to any census or enumeration.

(See the U. S. Constitution: http://www.law.cornell.edu/constitution/constitution.overview.html)

../atlarge/2004/040715_fishing_quarters.html
PRINT THIS ARTICLE 

---

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

View Archive

STING

The voice on the phone said this is Kathying calling or at least that is what I heard. She asked if we could accommodate 45 people on a Wednesday night for dinner off the menu. I assured her we could and that we had a bar, wine list and new sushi bar. She called back and confirmed the reservation. I put it under Kathy and that the bill was going all on one tab. I was happy; it is slow during the summer in Red Bank as most people are at the shore.

When the 45 men and some women arrived totting many English and American accents I asked where they were from. “We are the road crew for Sting,” was the reply. You could have knocked me over with a feather. When Kathy arrived I realized that over the phone she said this is Kathy from Sting but I heard it wrong. They were here for an end of a leg of the tour celebration dinner. Tam, Sting's head man, told me that every couple of months he sends them out of a grand night of dining and wine as a thank you for the job they do.

The next six hours were spent serving them and unlimited supply of steaks, sushi, seafood, wines, desserts, brandies and cigars. It was a great night for me and my staff as they were a great group to hang out with. By the end of the evening we were invited to go back stage the following night for Sting's performance at the GSAC/PNC Art Center.

The following night we arrived with tickets and back stages passes. It had been years since I had been back stage there. In the early years of the Art Center I was there almost constantly but that is the next story to follow. We met our friends from then night before and were escorted back stage. As we stood talking to the crew from the night before strolling up to see what was going on was Sting.

He is a very impressive man in person, tall and casual but with a very strong presence. He was very cordial to me and the girls. It took hours to wipe the smile off of my Daughters face. His crew told me he loves touring and is around back stage during the entire night until he goes on. A tour can last for a year and a half or longer. He has home over looking Central Park when he is performing on the East Coast and goes out each night to the gig. There is another in Chicago for the Mid West and another in Malibu California for the West Coast and so it goes around the World. At the age of 55 and being a star for 30 years he has as life style that most people can't even dream about.

We stood back stage for the opening act with Annie Lennox. She was magnificent. We took our seats for Sting as we basically melted into the music, lights, and choreography of his performance. He is one of the great stars of our time. As I sat there I wondered why I had not been here for many years. The Center opened the same year as I did in 1969-1970 and for years I had been a figure in the audience and back stage. Somewhere in the 80’s I had stopped going.

All I could thing of was that we live so close to it we take it for granted and don’t enjoy it as much as those do traveling for miles to get here. It is a magic place when the top stars are performing. I need to make notes to myself to get there more often. I had forgotten what a great mini vacation a night at the GSAC could be. Yeah, I know it is the PNC Art Center now but I have been around for too many years and I will always call it the Garden State Art Center.

../window_redbank/2004/wrb040715_sting.htm
PRINT THIS ARTICLE 

---

SPOTLIGHT ON KEANSBURG by Patrick Pecora Keansburg Councilman

View Archive patrick@ahherald.com

JULY 1 REORGANIZATION MEETING - MY TAKE

I know this may seem like a topic after the fact having already been covered in the local printed new media and even on this site by Allan Dean the editor. However, I would like to give you “my take” on the proceedings from our towns July First reorganization meeting. At shortly after Noon on July First before a packed council chambers of mostly their supporters three new members of the Keansburg Borough Council were sworn into office.

Immediately after the new councilpersons were sworn into office newly elected councilperson Drew Murray was nominated as the temporary chairperson of the council. This job function only until a new Mayor could be appointed. The chairperson’s first order of business was to ask for nominations for the position of Mayor. Councilperson Diana Cantillo nominated Drew Murray for that position and I seconded. However nearly simultaneously Councilperson Lisa Strydio nominated George Hoff, it was in my mind a toss up as to which nomination came first. However, the borough clerk recognized the nomination of George Hoff as Mayor and a vote was taken which he won 3 to 2. I want to say why I seconded the nomination of Drew Murray and why I did not vote for George Hoff. I felt that Drew Murray would have been better in that position due to his involvement with sports in our town (which is where I met him years ago). I personally felt more people know him and more people would have been comfortable with him in the office of Mayor. Next Lisa Strydio was nominated as Deputy Mayor and elected by majority vote of the council to that position again the vote was 3 to 2. As before after both the Mayor and Deputy Mayor were approved by majority vote they took the oath of office for those positions.

After the completion of the above votes and ceremonies, the council then got down to the business of appointing new people or firms of professionals for our borough. All of these positions were approved by votes of 3 to 2. Now I would like to explain the basis of my no votes for all of the borough professionals. To me the reason for my no votes was simple and clear. In good conciseness, I could not vote to approve people for positions if I had no knowledge of the qualifications of the people being appointed. I would not be doing my job representing our town if I voted yes and did not know anything about the persons being appointed.

Some may ask why I did not know and that is a great question. I cannot exactly answer that question. It was not for a lack of trying on my part to obtain the information I needed to make an informed decision for you the residents. In my opinion, I feel the information necessary was deliberately withheld from me and councilperson Cantillo. Next, one may question my statements about deliberate withholding of information. You may ask was it deliberate. Well now, let us play a round that old game “you be the judge”. Here are the facts that you may use to make your decision. For well over a month before the meeting, I had been in contact with a member of the newly elected council. Over that time in at least two e-mails, one phone conversation and one personal conversation, I asked to be included in the selection process. At the very least, I asked to be afforded the opportunity to read the resumes of the people being appointed. I was promised on at least two of those occasions that yes I would receive the resumes. About a week before the meeting I was handed a list of four names. Again, I requested resumes and again I was told they would be forthcoming.

I would like to mention one other item to be used as evidence for the withholding of important information needed to make decisions for you the residents of our town. Our borough council meetings have been changed from Thursdays to Wednesdays and from two meetings a month to one a month. When asked during the meeting our new mayor George Hoff simply said the meeting schedule changes time were more convenient. Well I wonder for whom it was more convenient. No one mentioned or inquired from Councilperson Cantillo or myself if the new meeting date was convenient for us. In fact, I did not find out about the change until I received my agenda the day before the meeting. This new schedule also carried by a vote of 3 to 2.

I must say however not every vote went the way of 3 to 2 and there were times when all 5 of us voted yes. For instance, when Drew Murray was nominated for a seat on the Keansburg Housing Authority all 5 voted yes. Another example of all five voting yes was for the three new special officers hired by the town.

Well this has been one of my longer articles to date so I guess for now I will end this week’s article, thanks for reading.

Upcoming Council meetings.

There has been a major change in the meeting schedule for the Keansburg Borough Council. As of July there will only be one regularly scheduled meeting of the council and it will be on the fourth Wednesday of each month beginning with a workshop session at 6 PM and a regular meeting at 7 PM. That means that the next meeting of the Keansburg Borough Council will not be until Wednesday 7/28 at 6 PM. As usual, all meetings will be held in the Borough Council Chambers at Keansburg Borough Hall.

Upcoming town events or announcements.

New Football and Cheerleading sign up dates: Keansburg Pop Warner has announced additional Sign up dates for Football and Cheerleading. The additional dates are as follows: Friday, 7/23 from 7 PM to 9 PM and Saturday, 7/24 from 10 AM to Noon. The cost for the league is 70 dollars per child and 180 dollars for three or more children. Flag football is a separate 50 dollars. All returning football players or cheerleaders are reminded to bring a copy of your final report cars and a photograph of your head. New registrants must also bring a copy of your final report cars and a photograph of your head in addition to a birth certificate, medical insurance information and your social security number. If you have any questions or would like additional information please call 732-495-3909.

Community Blood Drive: The New Point Comfort Volunteer Fire Company will hold a community blood drive on Saturday, July 24, 2004 from 10:00 AM to 1:00 PM, in the bingo hall of the New Point Comfort Fire Company located at 192 Carr Avenue, Keansburg. This event, which is being run through the Central Jersey Blood Bank, will benefit the depleting blood supply in Monmouth County. Each donor will receive a free t-shirt and refreshments will be served. Interested donors are requested to schedule an appointment in advance to avoid a wait at the door. For more information, please contact John Donohue (732) 778-0561 or go to the firehouse website www.newpointcomfort.org.

REMINDERS

The new Keansburg Waterfront Public Library has a web site however like our library you may find that some of the site is still under construction at this time. However, I wanted to remind everyone of the library web site. The address is: www.keansburglibrary.us.  This web site has been built and is maintained by the members of our library committee and the volunteers.

../spotlight/2004/sk040715_reorg.htm
PRINT THIS ARTICLE 

---

GORDON BISHOP ON THE ISSUES by Gordon Bishop Syndicated Columnist gordon@ahherald.com

Archive

HOMEOWNER HELD HOSTAGE BY WELFARE TENANTS

This is a true story about a homeowner, a welfare family, and a federal bureaucracy destroying the American Dream: Home Ownership.

I’m withholding the names in this cast of characters because the story is about the public sector (government) and the private sector (property owners).

The moral of this story is that big government no longer cares for the good, little people – only those who are dependent on the welfare state to survive.

The welfare recipient is the “victim.”

The successful homeowner is the bad guy, simply because he owns a home.

This story begins when a middle-aged homeowner decides to move and rents his home to a man and a woman with two children. The moment they signed the lease, the welfare family went straight to the Federal Housing and Urban Development Department, known as HUD.

The welfare family applied for a federal subsidy to pay the rent of the home they leased on a month-to-month basis.

A local New Jersey Housing Authority in HUD’s Section 8 program immediately responded with a monthly subsidy to the welfare family so they can pay their rent to the homeowner.

This is a decent homeowner who has a successful job, working 12 to 16 hours a day, six days a week. He’s the great American success story. He’s worked hard and lives the American Dream. This is what America is all about: Opportunities for everyone willing to work hard and obey the laws of our land.

Now along comes the federal and local governments and whacks him hard, as if he had absolutely no rights at all as a property owner.

This is not what our founding fathers envisioned when they won a bloody revolution over taxes and an absentee ruler – England’s King George.

Today’s federal bureaucracy cares only about maintaining a wasteful welfare state so these bureaucrats can keep their jobs and benefits on the federal payroll.

Is this what our government has become: An evil force of self-destruction?

This homeowner was forced to go to court to remove the welfare family, which has refused to pay the monthly rent under the direction of the HUD bureaucrats.

This case has been dragging on for months. Meanwhile, the homeowner hasn’t received any monthly rental checks. So far he’s lost $8,000, plus $1,000 in legal fees for a lawyer, an amount increasing each month.

The local Housing Authority bureaucrat in charge of this case tells me the home in question involved a plumbing matter. When the homeowner sent a plumber to his rented home, the welfare family refused to let the plumber in.

This welfare family also refused to let the homeowner inside his home to see what happened to the plumbing. When he moved out of the home, the plumbing worked. After the welfare family moved in, they claimed it didn’t work.

This home is in a neighborhood (development association), which has been trying to get the welfare family out of the home because of their lifestyle behavior that is not compatible with their neighbors.

The man in the welfare family has been arrested over drugs, a violation of the lease and HUD’s own standards for a monthly rental subsidy (compliments of America’s taxpayers).

A letter from the Housing Authority’s own attorney supports the harried homeowner. Here’s what the Authority’s lawyer says about this case of the homeowner and the welfare family.

The attorney’s letter was addressed to the welfare family:

“You (the welfare parent) have failed to comply with the requirements of the Housing Choice Voucher Program (the rent subsidies), and that there has been a continuing refusal to allow the inspections to be performed, as well as allow access for the necessary repairs.

“The Housing Authority has determined that this non-compliance on your behalf has been habitual, and, accordingly, the Housing Authority has no option other than to notify you that you will be terminated from the Program effective June 30, 2004.”

The letter was dated June 18. The Housing Authority has given the welfare family another 90 days to live in the home until they can find another place to live.

Meanwhile, the homeowner continues to pay the mortgage on his home, but the Housing Authority has yet to reimburse the homeowner for each month’s loss of rent.

Stay tuned. I’ll let you know who wins: The HUD/Housing Authority bureaucracy, or the homeowner.

I’ll bet my own house that the hardworking homeowner will prevail.

After all, this is America!

../bishop/2004/gb040715_welfare_tenants.htm  
PRINT THIS ARTICLE 

---

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

View Archive

 

../trenton_talk/2004/tt_040624_flag.htm  
PRINT THIS ARTICLE 

---

OLD OAK TRAIL by Joe Reynolds AH Environmental Commission Member joe@ahherald.com

mini-autobiography

view archive

NATCO LAKE IS A NATURAL GEM IN THE BAYSHORE REGION

For those of you who have never ventured outside to explore the countless awe-inspiring, yet largely untried natural areas of the Bayshore region in Monmouth County, Natco Lake is one of the finest places to embark on your journey.

Natco Lake is located on the border of Hazlet Township and Union Beach. It can clearly be seen as you ride or walk along the Henry Hudson bike path or drive on Highway 36. It is the only large lake situated on the bike path or on the highway, and beside the IFF (International Flavors & Fragrances) manufacturing plant; believe it or not this was once an active farm.

Yes, I know, only in New Jersey do we put a large industrial complex juxtaposed to a beautiful biological place. Nevertheless, in the urban landscape of the Bayshore region, Natco Lake offers some interesting rewards for those willing to explore.

Natco Lake carries an unusual feature as a natural open space site that is both man-made and undeveloped. Moreover, the water inside the lake is surprisingly brackish.

A booklet entitled, Natco Park: An Introduction, published by the Hazlet Environmental Commission in 1992 states that some time ago, Natco Lake was not a lake at all, but a clay pit. Most of the land was owned by a company called the National Fireproofing Company (commonly referred to as NatCo). The company mined clay here, and manufactured fire bricks and clay on adjacent Rose Lane. The two lakes (north and south) are a result of this mining business. A dike of earth and rocks was built around the pits and water pumps were used to keep ground and rain water out of these valuable commercial clay pits.

At some point in time, the dike failed and permitted thousands of gallons of saltwater from nearby waterways to enter the pits. The corporate heads of NatCo then decided that since there was a waning demand for clay products it would not be practicable to dewater the pits and continue mining the area. Consequently, NatCo said good-bye to the Bayshore region and a new man-made lake was born.

Then starting in 1978, the good people of Hazlet Township embarked on the strenuous task of purchasing the lake and what land remained on the south side of the lake as open space. A referendum question was placed on the November ballot of that year in Hazlet Township to ask whether there was public support to save approximately 250 acres from encroaching residential and commercial development, and conserve the site for future generations to use for passive recreation.

It is difficult to accept as true today since a majority of current residents in Hazlet Township have not voted for an open space referendum in several years, but in 1978 Hazlet residents overwhelming voted 5059 to 711 (a remarkable 7 to 1 ratio) in favor of saving land.

Thank God for those people’s vision and boldness. They preserved this wonderful place for all to enjoy. Due to their wisdom, Natco Lake and portions of land surrounding the lake can be accessed for the public’s enjoyment.

Although swimming and skating are not permitted in the lake, fishing is encouraged by the abundance of striped bass and flounder in the water. On the southern border of the lake, the parkland is managed by Hazlet Township and features unmarked trails that lead to Thorns Creek, small wetlands, and tributaries to neighboring East Creek. The main entrance to this park can be found in the rear of the Lakeside Manor parking lot on Highway 36.

In 1994, New Jersey Audubon Society recognized Natco Lake in a report entitled, Raritan Bay Wildlife Habitat, as a “valuable migratory bird habitat, especially with its largely wooded shoreline.” NJ Audubon also stated that there is a known heronry with Black- and Yellow-crowned night herons.

The lake itself supports a diverse amount of wildlife including different types of crabs, snakes, fish, egrets, ospreys, kingfishers, ducks, and gulls. Yet, note should be made that due to pollution from the land, any aquatic critters caught in the lake, such as fish or crabs, should not be eaten.

Green Frog

The wooded open space in Hazlet Township also supports a wide amount of plants and animals, including Great Horned Owls, extensive stands of mountain laurel and skunk cabbage, box turtles, pitch pine, toads, salamanders, and many different types of frogs. Why, just a few weeks ago, I found myself wandering around Natco Park and spotted about 20 lovely green frogs hopping around the freshwater wetlands within Natco Park (see photo, at left, of green frog largely covered in mud). Unique and amazement are two words that describe this place well.

Although mostly overlooked today by nearly everyone in the Bayshore region, Natco Lake offers great fishing, bird watching, and nature observation, and the land to the south provides much needed passive recreation. It is a wonderful area to enjoy and benefit from a pleasant interaction with local wildlife.

../oaktrail/2004/oot040715_natco.htm
PRINT THIS ARTICLE 

---

FOOD FOR THOUGHT  by Mark R. Vogel Contact : mark@ahherald.com

view archive

SUMMER SALADS

“Salad is the kind of food that real food eats,” proclaimed Alf, the furry alien sitcom character from the 80’s. Clearly Alf’s rebuking of greens revealed his carnivorous orientation. However, his red meat of choice was cats. Most humans would prefer a plate of salad to Mr. Puss n Boots, but hey, to each his own.

Salads are certainly consumed all year long. However, because they are lighter fare and most often served cold, they are particularly associated with summer. The culinary encyclopedia Larousse Gastronomique defines salad as “a dish of raw, cold, or warm cooked foods, usually dressed and seasoned, served as an appetizer, side dish or main course.” With the breadth of that definition, Alf’s favorite dish could be considered a salad. Let’s rein in the nomenclature and define salads via Merriam-Webster: “a: green vegetables (as lettuce, endive, or romaine) and often tomatoes, cucumbers, or radishes served with dressing or b: a dish of meat, fish, shellfish, eggs, fruits, or vegetables singly or in combination usually served cold with a dressing.” With this latter definition in mind, let’s make some salads.

BEAN SALAD

2 cans (15.5 oz) Goya small white beans
2 small to medium, on the vine tomatoes, seeded and chopped
1 medium onion, chopped
1 small red bell pepper, chopped
4 sticks celery, chopped
2 garlic gloves, finely minced
Parsley and fresh thyme, to taste, chopped
Juice of half a lemon
Extra virgin olive oil to taste
Salt and pepper to taste

Rinse the beans thoroughly under running water and dry. Chop the tomatoes, onion, pepper, and celery into a small dice. Aim for the same size or less than the beans. Mince the garlic fine however for a more uniform dispersal throughout the salad. Add in the parsley, thyme and lemon juice and then adjust the olive oil, salt and pepper to suit your taste.

SUMMER GREEK SALAD

1 lb. Feta cheese
2 cucumbers, sliced thin
1 lb. kalamata olives
1 red onion, sliced thin
2 scallions, sliced thin
1 small red or green bell pepper, sliced thin
4 large, ripe tomatoes cut into quarters
1 tablespoon fresh chopped oregano
Salt and pepper to taste
4 oz. extra virgin olive oil
1 oz red wine vinegar
2 teaspoons lemon juice

Drain the cheese, roughly chop it and place it in a large salad bowl. Add the cucumbers, olives, scallions, bell pepper, tomatoes, oregano, salt and pepper and mix. Whisk the olive oil, vinegar and lemon juice in a bowl and then pour over the salad and toss. Other common additions include romaine lettuce and anchovies.

AMBROSIA
(Fruit salad)1 banana, sliced
1 cup seedless grapes, halved
2 oranges, pared and sectioned
1 kiwi, peeled, halved lengthwise and cut across into 1/4-inch pieces
One third of a cup orange juice
1 cup vanilla ice cream
Three quarters of a cup shredded coconut

Mix the banana, grapes, oranges, kiwi, and orange juice. Divide the ice cream into four bowls. Pour the fruit mixture over the ice cream and then sprinkle with the shredded coconut.

GRILLED CALAMARI & RADICCHIO SALAD

2 heads of radicchio di Verona, (the round kind), quartered
4 squid, tentacles, heads, and beak removed
Regular olive oil as needed for grilling
Half cup arugula
Half a red onion sliced thin
6 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
2 tablespoons lemon juice
1 garlic clove, finely minced
Salt & pepper to taste

Heat your grill to medium/medium-high. Cut the radicchio through the root end so each quarter has one fourth of the core. This will help keep each segment in tact. If any of the outer leaves do detach, simply grill them separately. Rinse the radicchio quarters, pat dry and set aside. Scrape the membrane off the squid bodies. Cut down one side of each body and unfold. With a paring knife, make a series of cuts, less than halfway into the flesh, along the length of the body. Now make another series of cuts diagonally crossing the first ones. Again, be very careful to not cut too deep or the squid will come apart. This procedure is known as scoring and will allow them to grill flat and not curl up. Brush the squid and the radicchio quarters with olive oil. Start by grilling the radicchio on one of the flat sides. Each side will take 2-3 minutes. Give them a head start and then start grilling the squid, turning once, until just cooked through and lightly golden, about 2-3 minutes. Do not overcook or it will become rubbery. Mix the arugula and red onion and place in the center of a large platter. Cut the calamari into strips and sprinkle over top of the arugula. Arrange the radicchio quarters around the pile of arugula. Whisk the olive oil, lemon juice, garlic and salt and pepper and drizzle over the salad.

../food/2004/ft_040715_salad.htm
PRINT THIS ARTICLE 

---

JOBPATH by Caroline Ceniza-Levine caroline@ahherald.com www.thinkasinc.com

View Archive

Series on Investing (Part 2):

INVESTING YOUR TIME

Each one of us, from the CEO to the unemployed, has 24 hours per day to invest.  If time is spent haphazardly, then it is easily squandered.  A few hours per day in front of the TV equates to a part-time job watching TV.  If you’re not proactively making choices about what to do with your time, it slips away unnoticed.  One way to become more conscious of your time investment is to constantly ask yourself what you want from your time.

How much time do you want to invest on your career versus other priorities?  You may have relationships, community/ religious activities, personal interests, and other priorities than just career.  How high does your career rank on your list?  Is the time you invest on your career consistent with how valuable you say your career is to you?

How much time do you want to invest in your current career versus your future prospects?  You always need to do both because living in the moment and preparing for the future are both important.  However, if you’re unhappy where you are, you might want to do just enough to get a good reference and focus more on your next move.  If you’re in your target career, then you want to excel where you are.  How much time are you investing on prospects?  Is this consistent with your current satisfaction level?

How do you want your time to be split between doing your job, networking for future opportunities, developing your skills, and enhancing your professional image?  What area is a strength, a weakness, a fear?  Are you touching each area or neglecting one?  Before you collapse in front of the TV after a hard day’s work, ask yourself if you’d rather invest that time in one of the above.

../jobpath/2004/jp040715_invest_time.htm
PRINT THIS ARTICLE 

---

SENIOR SAVVY by Bernice Roberts email - bernice@ahherald.com

View Archive

A CAUTIONARY TALE

It was eerily quiet and looked deserted in the office of Stuffed Shirts, Inc. Only Stan Afghani came to life as he meekly rose from one of the dozen cubicles where the workers were kept in solitary. He headed for the big meeting.

Without warning, Ira Wacki burst from his cubicle and gave Stan a body slam into the steel cabinets lining the wall of the common walkway. Stan exploded into fury as he felt pain shoot through his head and saw his ten pages of report floating down the hall as though looking for the farthest place to land. Those papers were the substance of his first important presentation to the Stuffed Shirt executives

"Ira, you no good S.O.B. You blankety-blank #$&*@+&#." Stan bellowed. No longer meek now, he had finally lost control. This was the final straw in Ira’s many mean-spirited tactics.

At the sound of Stan’s outraged voice with its matching swear words, the office instantly came to life. Each cubicle gave birth to a head, looking for all the world like a field of gophers popping out of their burrows. The heads were just in time to hear Ira exclaim:

" I was only playing a game, ‘Beat You To The Boardroom.’ You big sore-loser!" So saying Ira chuckled as he trotted off to the meeting.

No one helped Stan gather his papers. They all retreated to their gopher pockets, murmuring "Tsk tsk - such language."

Stan arrived at the meeting late. Ira was already presenting his report and getting constant nods of approval. Stan shuffled his pages together, mostly in the wrong order. Breathless and nervous when he spoke, he stumbled over all his best points. No one offered to look over his report or pass it around the table like Ira’s, mainly because it had noticeable blood streaks all over it, dripping from the gash on Stan’s head.

Shortly after the meeting Mr. Chainsaw, the Vice President, summoned Stan to his office and read to him the Code of Conduct in place for Stuffed Shirts, Inc. He soundly chastised Stan for committing a really big violation.

"What about Ira?" Stan asked. "He started this whole thing," Stan complained bitterly, bending his head to show its big bloody gash.
"Yuk," said Mr. Chainsaw, visibly disgusted by the trench of separated flesh with its continued oozing of blood. "Don’t show me stuff like that. Aren’t you at all civilized?"

Continuing his lecture, Chainsaw said that he was not about to play the game of ‘who did what to who.’ In truth, Stan’s distress was of no interest to Chainsaw. The agenda here was clear. Shield Ira Wacki from any accusations. Ira had some sort of alliance going with Mr. Rummy, the Chief Financial officer, who was a fearsome and shrewd executive. It was never wise to ruffle Rummy. Next in urgency came the need for the company’s swift response to the ‘formal complaint’ that had just been delivered to Chainsaw from The Very Fundamentally Christian Employees’ Prayer Group. Chainsaw knew that this bunch of employees was vital for keeping things under control in the company. They kept everyone ‘in line.’

"The Prayer Group vigorously denounces your language, Stan, and we must have your apology at once," Chainsaw ordered.

Mr. Chainsaw then lapsed into deep thought. He was making a nifty decision that would enable Stuffed Shirts to be rid of this nuisance very soon. Chainsaw decided right then that Stan would be in the first wave of lay-offs. So he turned back to Stan and beamed.

"I have it!" Chainsaw exclaimed, delighted with himself for his brainstorm, "As our gesture of good will, in return for your abject apology and your vow to comply with proper behavior, the company will furnish you with a helmet, at no expense to you, to wear when walking down the halls."

Stan sat stunned. His head hurt; he couldn’t think; his ambitions to rise with Stuffed Shirts were dashed. He knew he was in the office of a crazy man. He didn’t know what to do!

More on poor Stan . . Here I’m drawn back to a previous column which can be found in my archives, "Experiments in Brutality or What Will the Neighbors Think?" Two experiments were described, one showing that brutality can be evoked when one derives unlimited authority, and the other experiment showing that brutality can surface when one submits unequivocally to authority.

These experiments were never to be repeated, later considered unethical. It was because they turned out to be so stressful long afterwards for the students who had acted out these aggressions. One student gave this assessment of his actions: "Few people ever realize it when they are acting according to their own beliefs and when they are submitting meekly to authority."

Perhaps that says it all. We are seeing today a lack of socialization training and most alarming is the lack of training in youngsters in the formative years. Both parents and society as a whole are failing. Morals today seem to be little more than self-righteous and self-serving tools for getting ahead. Although we’ve evolved in technology and intelligence, it seems we’ve devolved in the things that brought us to be human -- socialization. Is there any hope? I’m watching the candidate John Edwards as a very plausible role model. Perhaps he was heaven sent.

This year my vote will be, in essence, for that of a Vice President. The country can do without Chainsaw and Rummy, and, with all dedication, we may reverse gears on the slippery slope to de-humanization.

More good news . .The Constitutional Convention for Property Tax revision regarding school tax is set to convene.

../senior/2004/ss040715_tale.htm
PRINT THIS ARTICLE 

---

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

View Archive

REPORTS OF RIVER, BAY AND OCEAN FISHING

>==>>>>:> >>=>>>:>

 

>==>>>>:> >>=>>>:>

../fish_report/2004/nb_040624.htm
PRINT THIS ARTICLE 

---

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

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

See Volunteer Opportunities
../lend_a_hand/index.html

---

LEAFNOTES by Charles Deitz charles@ahherald.com

View Archive

../leafnotes/2004/ln040624.html  
PRINT THIS ARTICLE 

---

IT'S ALL RELATIVE by Amy Shore

View Archive

MOVING

Moving is up there with marriage, divorce, and the birth and/or adoption of a child as a major life stressor, so it should come as no surprise to anyone when I say that my life has become one big ball of stress!  It all started, of course, when Dave called home from work a few weeks ago and asked me, “What do you think of Texas?”  The moment he uttered, “We’re being relocated there,” my world got instantly complicated. 

In total fairness, so did his.  Together, we got sucked up into a tornado of planning, organizing, calling, meeting, checking, doing, asking, investigating, researching, looking, bidding, and so many other “ings” that soon we had to look at a calendar to know what day it was!  We didn’t know where to start unraveling our New Jersey lives, but before we could unravel, we had to hop a plane and make big decisions in Texas, a state where I had never before stepped foot.

Sometimes late at night when everyone is sleeping, I think about the seemingly simpler times, the generation of my grandparents, when one got married, bought a house, had children, and worked at the same corporation for the next twenty-five years or so, making life-long friends, watching children grow and become independent, planting saplings in a backyard and having the opportunity to see them grow into tall, strong trees.  It was a predictable, comfortable life, I imagine.  Families lived close by each other, get-togethers were weekly, and cousins grew up knowing each other as friends as well as relatives.  

It seems that life just got very, very complicated when jobs became harder to come by, college degrees were imperative stepping stones to bigger and better positions, and those who wanted to build promising careers or, simply, to keep working, relocated with their companies to other areas of the country. 

It seems that is when all the problems started, too. 

Over fifty percent of marriages end in divorce in this sophisticated, modern age.  Children often succumb to drugs, alcohol, and sex too soon in life; rehab is a common word in today’s vocabulary.  Single mothers struggle to raise children on one salary; the fathers of these children are often absent or unreliable.  In two parent families, usually there are two careers that vie along with the children for attention. 

With all the outside influences like child abductions, pedophilia, terrorism, fast-paced everything, peer pressure, lack of manners, and “keeping up with the Jones’”, there is no such thing as ‘simple’ anymore.  The days of telling your children to go out and play without you going out to supervise them to make sure they are safe are long gone.  Getting your son or daughter to write “thank you” notes after receiving gifts is a major struggle, especially when their friends’ parents don’t make their children reciprocate.  The advice of teachers is drowned out by the demands of parents in local school districts, making it difficult for a good, solid, well-rounded education to take place in twelve years; stressed-out kids, ‘dummying down’, and grade inflation result.  And whatever you don’t want your children to know they learn from their friends, other kids at school, the nightly news, the Internet…there are a myriad of ways to learn anything about everything these days, and it’s impossible for parents to limit knowledge. 

But, well, this is the way it is.  We can only work with what we have now, today, in front of us. 

I hope my girls see between the lines, that the whirlwind that hit us smack in the forehead will die down and eventually, after the move is complete, we will have a ‘normal’ life again.  They may never know what it is like to “grow up” with friends from kindergarten through high school, but they will learn how to make new friends, an important skill that will take them far.  They may not live near their relatives, but they will know how important family is through travel and frequent communication; sometimes having to work harder for something connotes its value.  They may get annoyed with their father and me for making them say ‘please’ and write thank you notes, for expecting them to work hard in school and not make excuses for poor performance, for asking them to expand their minds to new cultures, situations, and experiences, but in the end I hope they realize how important it is to be smart, respectful, hard-working, open-minded, considerate, and kind. 

There is wisdom in struggle and change.  Moving from New Jersey to Texas is not what we wanted, but it’s what has happened to us.  We can choose to be happy about the next big chapter in our lives or we can choose to wallow in the sadness of leaving behind what we don’t want to leave.  It’s a choice.

Life is unpredictable, and there are surprises around every corner.  No one said life would be fair or easy.  Facing another relocation, Dave and I have learned that in order to have happy, successful lives we have to ‘go with the flow’ and not let fear weigh us down.  We have to work with what we have, not with what we wish we had, and these are the lessons we hope our daughters learn as they watch our lives turn upside down and then get straightened out once more.

Onward we move…

../relative/2004/rel040715_moving.htm  
PRINT THIS ARTICLE 

---

FERRY RIDER by Anne Smolenski Boiko

View Archive anne@ahherald.com

 

../ferry/2004/fr040624_non_commuting.htm
PRINT THIS ARTICLE 

---

POETS' LAIR by Area Poets

View Archive

OUT OF THE MOUTHS OF BABES - OR WHAT IS OLD?

I just came from my one month checkup,
doctor called me "old man,"
said I gained a pound,
no wonder my clothes feel tight.

I like being out in the world,
not swimming in a dark place;
my mom smells the best
and she feeds me.

Dad's okay, except at night
when he needs a shave and he kisses me.
I cry, he thinks I don't like him,
says I'll like him better when I get older.

The one they call "the older sister"
likes to play with my toes, piggy this, piggy that;
I yell, she pouts, "You're supposed to laugh,"
I hate people touching my toes.

My great-grandma's boyfriend says I look like her,
no teeth, wispy hair, wrinkles;
she pokes him, calls him "silly old man," cuddles me;
the whiskers on her chin tickle.

Uncle Louis brought me a baseball mitt,
says I can play when I am older;
Uncle Phil got me a football, said the same thing;
Aunt Jane gave me money, said it's for college,
Why is everyone worried about when I get older?

How about when I get a gas pain or
when they fooled around with my private parts?
I hear them say "getting older is attitude -- attitude,"
I say "Pain is pain."

My grandma thinks the music box in my room
should play "Strangers In The Night"  instead of Brahms Lullaby;
Dad thinks she's cool, Mom rolls her eyes.
When grandpa baby sits me he snores so loud, I can't sleep.

Well, Mom wants to feed me; she sits in her rocking chair,
holds me close and sings an old song: "My baby don't care for clothes,
my baby don't care for shows, my baby just cares for me."

GILDA KREUTER

../poet/2004/pl040715_mouths_babes.htm
PRINT THIS ARTICLE 

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

---

Picture This!
View Picture This! Archive

photo ALLAN DEAN

Send your response to editor@ahherald.com If you are the first person with the correct response we'll publish your name and the town where you live.

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 3 months and you know the answer, send your response to editor@ahherald.com along with your name and the town where you live. 

Be the first person to respond with the correct answer before next Thursday and we will publish your name and the town where you live.

Only those responses received on, or after, the date above will be accepted.

Last Week's Picture This! Answer

John Caddock of Navesink, NJ was the first to correctly identify this location last week. A:  This mill wheel is located on Bucks Mill Road in Colts Neck.

---

READER'S WRITE

---

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

../readers_write/index.html  
VIEW ARCHIVE

---

SANDY HOOK LEASE SIGNED - WHAT'S GOING ON HERE?

The Asbury Park Press reported in its July 9, 2004 edition, the announcement of the signing of the 60 year lease abomination for Sandy Hook’s Ft. Hancock.  I believe that the National Park Service, for some curious reason has entered into what appears to be an illegal unfunded lease which lacks the required element of “exchange of compensation”.  WHY?

Federal money, read—“taxpayer’s money”, in the form of grants to educational institutions (which have not been guaranteed) are apparently being funneled by the National Park Service through a developer, who takes his cut, then uses that money to fund his project. The Government gives him back Historic Tax Credits, which come off the developer’s costs, and come from the taxpayer’s pocket.  He, the developer, then pays the government rent. Does that sound incestuous and improper to you?

In another newspaper it was reported that Rutgers University attempted to deal directly with the National Park Service but were told by the National Park Service that they had to deal directly with the developer BEFORE THE DEVELOPER HAD A SIGNED LEASE.

I want to know WHAT IS GOING ON HERE?

Why isn’t this being investigated?

Why is our national park land being abused in this manner by the National Park Service “stewards” who are supposed to protect it?  Is this what we were to expect when we, the taxpayers, set aside this land for recreational use of all our citizens?

Why do we need 5 bed and breakfasts and a café?  Is it a resort in the making?  If so, I guarantee that it is not for the majority of the people.  I think it would be a new playground, not for the average family, but for the “rich and famous” at our expense.

Why do some of our legislators support the proposed efforts to develop Ft. Hancock?  I think we are being hoodwinked into thinking “everything will be wonderful”.

Do we sit back and let this atrocity happen or do we yell to our elected officials to stop “partnering” off our national park land and for what I would call phony “historic preservation”, given the proposed uses of the buildings by the developer.  How is turning a mule barn into a café a historic preservation???  How are 5 bed and breakfasts historic preservation? C’mon, it an entry point for big development—60 years worth!

Act now or the joke is on us—the public.

Patricia A. Stilwell
Fair Haven, NJ

../readers_write/2004/040715_sandy_hook.htm
PRINT THIS ARTICLE 

---

CALIENDO MISGUIDED - IT'S ABOUT THE CALIBER OF CANDIDATES FOR MIDDLETOWN TOWNSHIP COMMITTEE

This is in response to Democratic Party Chairman Joe Caliendo’s letter (in local newspapers) in which he exhorts the citizens of Middletown to elect Democrats in November to achieve a “balance” on the Township Committee. This mindset, however, is both misguided and counter-productive. History has shown us that all elections should be decided on the caliber of candidates seeking office and their stand on the issues. Party affiliation, particularly on the local level, plays a relatively minor role in the entire process. One of the true strengths of the Republican Party in Middletown is that they have consistently and successfully run superior candidates who have served the township well.

Mr. Caliendo’s strategy is both understandable and inevitable. The Middletown Township Committee under its current composition has provided the citizens of Middletown with outstanding leadership over the past fifteen years. Their record of aggressively holding the line on taxes, including three years in a row with no municipal tax increase, purchasing acres of open space for future generations, expanding and improving parks and recreation and generally watching out for the interests of the Middletown taxpayer gives the opposition little fodder for campaign issues. Members of the Republican governing body have shown incredible courage and fortitude in the face of immense pressure from a developer of the same political party in halting a project that would have devastated Middletown in a variety of ways. This is only one example of how the Republican-led Middletown Township Committee puts the welfare of the community above party loyalty.

This is not to say that all members of the Township Committee walk in lock-step. On the contrary, a review of many past votes by the committee will uncover significant decisions over the years that were not unanimous. This indicates a diversity of opinion, which results in a healthy debate on the issues and ultimately, the best, most well-rounded views for governing Middletown.

This November, the citizens of Middletown will once again have the opportunity to choose the members of the Township Committee who will oversee the affairs of their community in the future. The many important issues facing Middletown, such as controlling property taxes, overdevelopment, traffic, education, and expanded parks and recreation, to name a few, will require the same diligence and unselfish attention that the current Township Committee has exhibited in the past. To that end, the Middletown electorate, among the most educated and savvy in the state, must elect candidates who will represent their interests honestly, aggressively and with a vision that transcends party lines and personal interests. As newcomers to the political scene, my running mate Tom Hall and I hope to offer all Middletown residents two positive choices this November, regardless of their party affiliation.

Gerard P. Scharfenberger
Republican Candidate for Middletown Township Committee
Middletown, New Jersey

../readers_write/2004/040715_mt_candidates.htm
PRINT THIS ARTICLE 

---

 

PUBLIC REMAINS CLUELESS ON SANDY HOOK PARTNERS' LEASE

Jacques Cousteau would turn over in his grave if he knew that his foundation money/grants were being used as seed money for a developer.

Jacques Cousteau would rise from his grave if he knew that grant money intended for research and saving our oceans, was being used as a down payment for a real estate speculator to build private businesses at Sandy Hook.

"Deluca said Rutgers did not have the option of renovating space on its own but was required to work through the developer by the National Park Service."

"According to Deluca, Rutgers received two grants of $1.5 million through the Jacques Cousteau National Estuarine Research Reserve to finance construction and land acquisition."

" Officials at Rutgers University and Brookdale Community College (BCC) confirmed this week the institutions intend to be tenants of the Sandy Hook Partners' development at Fort Hancock on Sandy Hook."

"The institutions have signed letters of intent with the developer and will put up $1 million in grant money toward the renovation of space they will share, according to Michael P. Deluca, senior associate director of Rutgers' Institute of Marine & Coastal Sciences, which is already located on Sandy Hook."

- ( July 9, 2004 newspaper accounts)

Apparently, the National Park Service has deemed that even though private investors would not front financial backing for their favored developer Wassel Realty to invest in the builder's pipe dream for the Fort, it was time for the NPS to once more dip in the public revenue trough.

Not only will the developer reap Federal tax credits to claim on his tax forms, but as well now he will use grant moneys intended for public benefit use and dip into revenues collected from Jersey taxpayers to subsidize their institutions of higher learning Rutgers and Brookdale as a down payment for proof of financial capability. What's more it appears that the NPS has strong armed Jerseys' institutions of higher education to pay up to a private developer or get off the Hook.

If any respected lending institution did not find this venture credible and worth investing in then as well the Jersey taxpayers should be screaming loud and clear that their hard earned tax dollars should not be put into this private for profit business venture. The taxpayer has not had full disclosure and remains clueless as what is in it for them. Putting public lands and the last waterfront public open space in private for profit hands does not provide a viable return on the taxpayers investment.

The Jersey taxpayer must contact their elected representatives to demand a federal and state congressional investigation into this expenditure of public funds to lease public lands to a private developer for 60 years. Perhaps since the National Park Service has literally flied in the face of Representative Frank Pallone by signing the contract with the developer prior to his scheduled meeting with the Park Service, he should be the one to lead in a congressional investigation. After all this hurried signing by the northeast regional director was done with the excuse that she was leaving for Europe. Wonder if the taxpayers are paying for her two weeks in Europe as well.. This was the NPS bogus excuse to quickly sign a 60 year contract that had been 4 years on the table first and before the scheduled meeting with Representative Pallone.

Demand a federal and state congressional investigation. Please contact your elected officials. Tell them that our National Park Service must not become another Enron. And ask, plead if necessary for Representative Frank Pallone to lead the charge on behalf of the NJ taxpayer. He has been the elected official to take the time to understand what is going on out at the Hook. Pallone has had the courage to speak up and be heard. The Jersey voters must convince him to continue to do so.

Finally contact www.savesandyhook.com to see what you can do to help save Sandy Hook from private-for-profit politically well connected insiders.

Carole Ballmer
Holmdel, NJ

Current Holmdel Township Zoning Board Vice-Chair, Bayshore Regional Sewage Authority Commissioner and former Holmdel Township Committeewoman, Deputy Mayor, Planning Board Member, Environmental Commission Chair

../readers_write/2004/040715_clueless_sandy_hook.htm
PRINT THIS ARTICLE 

---

 

ONGOING FIASCO AT SANDY HOOK

The ongoing fiasco at Sandy Hook is the direct result of NPS incompetence and complete disregard for its' own rules. To those of you who are not aware of this continuing disaster in the making the situations is that all other parties who applied for a lease and permission to renovate structures on Fort Hancock, were told that they had to secure funding for their ENTIRE project before a lease could be signed. That was over four years ago and the Wassel Group is still being granted extensions to find funding.

Furthermore, the project is now being broken up into smaller pieces for his convenience. I sincerely hope that Rep Pallone uses all his influence to stop this disastrous project otherwise we (all taxpayers) will be left with an expensive and destructive mess on our hands.

Lou Rivera
Atlantic Highlands, NJ

../readers_write/2004/040715_sandy_hook_fiasco.htm
PRINT THIS ARTICLE 

---

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

*******************************************************
Public Notices:

Atlantic Highlands  
../atlantichighlands/public_notices/index.html

________________________________

Keansburg
../keansburg/public_notices/index.html

---

AHHerald CLASSIFIEDS

Business Directory Select A Category Accounting Attorneys Arts/Entertainment Automotive Antiques/Books/Clothing Banking Beauty Dining/Cafes/Bistros/Restaurants Furniture Florists/Gifts/Crafts/Candles Hardware/General Stores Health Internet Services Landscaping Marine/Boating Misc. Services Office Equipment Printing Real Estate Taverns/Night Life Travel/Tourism Upholstery Video Window Treatments

Community Websites Select Your Herald Community Atlantic Highlands Fair Haven Highlands Keansburg Little Silver Middletown Monmouth Beach Red Bank Rumson Sea Bright

---

For Advertising Call Allan at (732) 872-1957

Put your web address in front of 40,000 online each week Monmouth County Readers

Remarkable Bargains BUY - SELL List Your Garage Sale PHOTO ADS Place Your Classified Ad Today 732-872-1957   AHHerald Boats For Sale click here

REAL ESTATE HOUSES FOR SALE Buying or Selling your home - call Patrick Pecora at Weichert Realtors 732-671-8000 (0415) HOUSE WANTED Place your house apartment wanted ad in the AHHerald covering 10 towns in Northern Monmouth. APARTMENT FOR RENT Vacancies? Put your ad here. HELP WANTED Experienced Housekeeper needed - Part-time house care, laundry and gardening.  Must like kids, pets and their messes.  References and English speaking a must. Call Nancy 732-291-2737 Place your help wanted ad here.  A real bargain at only 10 cents per word per week. FURNITURE Reach 40,000 online readers each week with the AHHerald.com electronic newspaper.  Call 732-872-1957 for information on advertising. Community Websites Select Your Herald Community Atlantic Highlands Fair Haven Highlands Keansburg Little Silver Middletown Monmouth Beach Red Bank Rumson Sea Bright

GARAGE/YARD SALES Place your garage sale ad in the AHHerald. Reach online readers for only 10 cents per word.  Complete the Dollar Ad Form and mail to: AHHerald Classifieds 25 Second Avenue Atlantic Highlands, NJ 07716 MEN SINGERS WANTED The Red Bank Area Chapter of the Barbershop Harmony Society, SPEBSQSA offers men the opportunity to sing in four part harmony each week with the chorus.  No experience needed, just the love of singing.  Our 50 year old organization meets at Red Bank Middle School, Harding Road, Red Bank every Tuesday evening from 7:30 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. in the auditorium.  For more information visit our website at: http://users.aol.com/oldsongs/

---

The Herald reaches 40,000 LOCAL readers each week.

Why travel? -  You can get it locally!
For advertising info Call Allan at 732-872-1957 or  Send email to editor@ahherald.com

 

---

EVENTS:
../events.htm - click here

__________________________________________________

CLUBS AND ORGANIZATIONS

For a complete listing of area clubs, and organizations click here:

../groups.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   A H H E R A L D
 

---

The Atlantic Highlands Herald Community Websites
../atlantichighlands/
../fairhaven
../highlands/
../keansburg/
../middletown/
../monmouthbeach
../littlesilver/
../redbank/  
../rumson  
../seabright/

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 
Published weekly via email, newsgroups, and World Wide Web.

To be removed from the email list, simply reply with Remove in the subject line.

Copyright 2004, Allan Dean, All Rights Reserved.

Published using
100% recycled electrons by
AHHerald.com
(732) 872-1957

If you chose to print this publication, please use recycled paper.
8½ X 11 paper can be recycled. Please contact your municipality for recycling locations.