 |
ATLANTIC HIGHLANDS HERALD |
 |
||
|
||||
T E L L T H E M Y O U S A W I T I N T H E H E R A L D
story and photos ATLANTIC HIGHLANDS, NJ — It's War! The Atlantic Highlands Elementary School is raising money to aid the South Asia Tsunami victims by waging a penny war. A "penny war" began yesterday in an effort to raise funds for the International Children's Fund. During the war, which is sponsored by the student council, each homeroom competes against others to collect the most pennies. Students are encouraged to collect pennies in containers located in their own classrooms and to put nickels, dimes, quarters and paper money into the containers of others classrooms. The goal is to collect the most pennies. The value of any silver coins or paper money is deducted from each homeroom containers total pennies.
Ms. Lisa Commander, a 6th grade teacher at the school and student council advisor said the children are very excited about the project. "It is all about kids helping kids," said Ms. Commander. The war will continue for 2 to 3 weeks and all the funds collected will go to the International Children's Fund. The winning class will receive a small prize but that is not the focus of the competition, according to Ms. Commander. "The big prize is being able to help those that need it." Students, after obtaining permission from both teachers, can go to another classroom during the morning announcement to place larger coins in another class' container. "You're going down," was the comment of one student who stuffed a competing jug with a dollar bill. "Even younger kids can be involved," said Ms. Commander. "The penny war is designed to foster friendly competition while raising money for a very important cause." In another school effort to raise relief funds for the tsunami victims, the gifted and talented students in Barry McCabe's 4th grade challenge reading class are selling buttons for a minimum donation of $1. The buttons show a wave surrounded by the message that AHES CARES. The design idea came from a book the class was reading - "Big Wave" by Pearl Buck.
Mr. McCabe said 500 buttons are available. The funds raised from button sales will be pooled with money from the penny war and sent to the International Childrens Fund. McCabe said his research found that most of the money sent to that organization goes to direct relief and very little money goes to adminstrative costs. The button are available while supplies last and can be obtained through the school office.
HIGHLANDS, NJ — The Genevieve M. Hawley Memorial Foundation held its Third annual Boys Holiday Basketball Tournament on December 27th, 28th and 30th at Henry Hudson Regional School, Highlands. More than 1,000 spectators took part during the three day event. Eight Monmouth County high school teams participated in this year's tournament. They included: Middletown High School North, Middletown High School South, Monmouth Regional High School, Rumson-Fair Haven High School, Red Bank Regional High School and Wall Township High School. Monmouth Regional, under the direction of Coach Larry Ciro, took first place in this year's tournament by defeating Red Bank Catholic 51-34. Last year Monmouth Regional lost the tournament championship by one point to Rumson-Fair Haven, who until this year, were the undefeated champions.
Highlands Mayor Richard O'Neil presented Ciro with his championship trophy. Atlantic Highlands Councilwoman Kim Spatola and Atlantic Highlands Councilman Lou Fligor presented Red Bank Catholic Coach Buddy Hausman with the trophy for second place. Joseph Hawley, the president of the Genevieve M. Hawley Memorial Foundation thanked all of the volunteers, players and coaches who participated in the tournament. He offered special thanks to Atlantic Highlands First Aid Squad member Toni Shann for volunteering to act as the tournament safety director. Hawley also announced that a little over $4,000 was made during the course of the three day event with the proceeds going to support the foundation's many scholarship programs. Since its inception the task of organization the annual tournament rested with Henry Hudson Regional Athletic Director Ed Rieman, who also serves as the tournament director. " This annual event was the brain child of Ed Rieman and because of his hard work all year long on this project, the tournament continues to grow year after year, " said Joseph Hawley, the foundation's president and the son of Genevieve Hawley. Joseph Hawley said that Rieman has been so successful in putting the tournament together that there are at least 10 Monmouth County high school basketball teams on a waiting list. Hawley noted that the foundation and Rieman are exploring ways to expand the tournament in the future. The Foundation and tournament is named for the late Genevieve M. Hawley, who passed away on May 5, 2002 as the result of a tragic accident. A long-time area community and political leader, Genevieve Hawley served for more than two decades on the Henry Hudson Regional Board of Education. She retired in 1999 as the administrator for the district offices of Representative Frank Pallone, Jr., who represents New Jersey's Sixth Congressional District. From 1978-1995, Mrs. Hawley served as an Atlantic Highlands representative to the Henry Hudson Regional Board of Education. In 1995 she resigned from the board when she moved to Highlands. In 1998 she was appointed to the regional board as a Highlands representative to fill a board vacancy. In 1999 she was elected to fill a two-year unexpired term in Highlands and in 2001 she was re-elected to a full three-year term where she served until her death. At the time of her passing she was the board's vice-president and she previously served for three terms as the board's president. During her tenure Mrs. Hawley served as a member a chair of every board committee. Mrs. Hawley was the first person to elected to represent both Atlantic Highlands and Highlands and she and her daughter, Regina Hawley-Keelen, were the first mother and daughter team in New Jersey to serve on the same school board at the same time. She also served as a delegate to the New Jersey School Boards Association, a member of the board of directors of the National Schools Boards Association, a member of the National School Boards Association's Legislation Committee and as a member of the national association's Federal Legislation Network, where she represented the school districts of New Jersey's Sixth Congressional District. Mrs. Hawley also served as a member of the Atlantic Highlands Planning Board, a member of the Atlantic Highlands Rent Leveling Board and a member of the Atlantic Highlands Zoning Board of Adjustment. She also helped found the Atlantic Highlands Recreation Commission with Atlantic Highlands resident Bernard Frotton more than 30 years ago. She also served on the executive council of the Monmouth County Council of Girl Scouts for 40 years and she was a long-time member of the board of directors for the New Jersey Red Cross where she chaired the agency's Disaster Committee. Mrs. Hawley was also a founding member of the Atlantic Highlands Historical Society and was a member and president of the Atlantic Highlands Fire Department Ladies Auxiliary. Her dedication to community service spanned more than 40 years. The Atlantic Highlands Mayor and Council and the Highlands Mayor and Council recently honored Mrs. Hawley by naming October 17th as "Genevieve M. Hawley Day" in their respective communities. She was also honored by the Monmouth County School Boards Association for inspiring other members of her family to serve on their respective boards of education. A daughter, Saranne Weimer, is presently serving her fourth term on the Atlantic Highlands Board of Education, daughter Annette Jordan, of Freehold, is presently serving in her second term on her community's board of education and another daughter, Regina Hawley-Keelen, served for six years as an Atlantic Highlands representative to the Henry Hudson Regional Board of Education,where she is a past president of the board. Her son, Joseph, has served as member of both the Atlantic Highlands and Henry Hudson Regional Boards of Education and last year her son-in-law, Arthur J. Weimer, was elected to the Henry Hudson Regional Board of Education representing the Borough of Atlantic Highlands. In July of 2002, Mrs. Hawley's husband, Bart J. Hawley, was appointed to fill her seat on the Henry Hudson Board. In 2003 he was elected to fill the remaining one year of her term and last year he was elected to a full three-year term. Joseph Hawley would like to hear from those who are interested in volunteering for the foundation, or if anyone would like more information about the foundation's scholarship programs. He can be reached at 732-291-2962
By Michelle Huff ATLANTIC HIGHLANDS, NJ — Ann Cadman was struggling to stay afloat in heart-stopping, frigid water, just off a floating pier in the Atlantic Highlands Harbor. Minutes later, members of the Atlantic Highlands First Aid Squad and the Atlantic Highlands Fire Department were on the scene, two of them wearing specially designed bright-yellow, cold-water rescue uniforms. Soon Cadman was strapped to a backboard and placed in a waiting ambulance. The good news is it was only a drill. Cadman, a member of the AHFA, was wearing a cold-water suit, too. The better news is that the Atlantic Highlands First Aid and Fire Departments are prepared for such rescues – especially with the centerpiece of the town being a harbor used by hundreds of ferry commuters, fishing enthusiasts and boaters every day.
“We have a full walkway that is used in all weather conditions,” said Captain Tom McKiernan of the harbor docks. “It is completely within the realm of possibility that someone could be in the water.” So it is, the AHFA prepares not only for emergencies on land, but on the water, as well. “We train for all situations,” said Second Lieutenant Jerry Pandolfo. The drill, held Jan. 16, is one of several water-rescue programs staged by the all-volunteer AHFA every year. And, the practice has already paid off.
A year ago, the squad responded to a report of a young boy falling through thin ice in the harbor. The report ultimately turned out to be false, but the special training led to the AHFA getting there quickly, and prepared. “Within eight minutes, Jerry [Pandolfo] and I were 600 feet into the harbor,” McKiernan said of the real-life scenario. And that’s why the organization stages drills, even when the air temperature is below 30 degrees and the water heart-stopping cold. “This is a nice way to get members who don’t have a lot of experience into the water,” said Pandolfo, who led the cold-water drill. “The idea is that we were called out because someone was in the water.” Specially trained AHFA members Bill Mount and Dan Keenan wore $800 rescue suits to enter the water, and grab Cadman, who was clinging to a dock piling as if she were a resident who had fallen. Pandolfo instructed AHFA volunteers – including some from the Cadet program for junior members - to wear personal floatation suits as they assisted Keenan and Mount, who were in the water. Cadman was then carefully placed on a backboard, then strapped to a cot, covered with blankets and wheeled to one of the three Atlantic Highlands First Aid Squad ambulances on scene. In real life, she would have been rushed to a local hospital. “The response was textbook,” Pandolfo said after the drill. “The patient was taken out very gently. This is the way we want to do it.” The Atlantic Highlands First Aid Squad is an all-volunteer emergency response organization that operates on donations from the community. For information on supporting the AHFA or becoming a member, call (732) 291-8118.
LITTLE SILVER , NJ — YoungLife, and its middle-school component WyldLife, is a non-profit Christian youth ministry that makes connections with over 1,000,000 students yearly in the United States and around the world. In fact, YoungLife has used this worldwide reach to recruit a new Area Director to oversee the Monmouth County area. Andrew Edmonds, from Victoria, Australia, has joined YoungLife as the Monmouth County Area Director and will be working with other volunteer leaders to continue the time-tested principles used by YoungLife for 60 years: going where kids are, engaging them in ways they can understand, and by building relationships that show we care. Andrew and his wife, Ann, are in the process of moving to the area, where they will live with their two beagles, Jersey and Ollie. Prior to joining the staff of YoungLife, Andrew was the youth minister at both, St. Johns Anglican Church and Croydon Hills Baptist Church, in Australia. He has a strong background in relationship building and in reaching kids in creative ways to nurture and strengthen their faith. One of the ways YoungLife and WyldLife leaders reach out to kids is through “club”. On every other Tuesday night at 7 p.m. at the Little Silver Fire Hall, middle school students come to WyldLife club to laugh non-stop, get involved in skits, play games, and hang out with their friends and leaders. Activities are designed for groups, so kids don’t feel singled out. The combination of friendships and fun provides an effective platform for leaders to talk about God during a short message at the end of club. Any child in grades 6 th – 8 th in any area school is welcome, free of charge. As kids get involved, they are also invited to attend YoungLife Camp to experience one of the best times of their lives. YoungLife club for students in high school is currently meeting every other Sunday evening. Since coming to our area over 3 years ago, YoungLife has been supported and overseen by a local volunteer “adult committee” which currently includes: Bob and Joan Nixon, Karen Parker, Louisa Renn, Sue Parker, Kathy Grabowy, Greg Spicer, and Gary James. Andrew will be joining our phenomenal group of college leaders -- the faces kids see orchestrating the action at “club” each week -- Justin Keller, Corinne Payette, Tara Crane, and Joe Serrattelli. For more information about the local or national organization, club times, and locations: Phone: (732) 741-1922 or (732) 345-5017 E-mail: youngliferedbank@yahoo.comFREEHOLD, NJ — Monmouth County Sheriff Joseph W. Oxley announced that Sheriff’s Office narcotics K-9, Jake, died on Monday, January 10 th, after a battle with cancer. The ten-year-old German shepherd served the citizens of Monmouth County from July 1996 until November 2004. “Jake was one of the youngest dogs to complete K-9 training at 11 months of age,” said Sheriff Oxley. “He was utilized by many municipal police agencies, the Monmouth County Prosecutor’s Office and the Postal Police and participated in numerous narcotics raids.”
During his career, Jake participated in nearly fifty arrests and hundreds of thousands of dollars of drug and property seizures. His largest find was twelve pounds of marijuana being shipped to a residence in Monmouth County. Jake also participated in over 500 K-9 demonstrations for schools and civic organizations. Sheriff’s Officer Chris Donadio handled Jake. “Although K-9 Jake will be missed, his replacement, K-9 Sheba, a narcotics detection dog, is currently in K-9 training and will be certified for duty in about five weeks,” said Sheriff Oxley. “Sheba will join the remaining five K-9’s in the Sheriff’s Office K-9 Unit which consists of explosive detection, tracking and narcotics detection dogs.” All Monmouth County Sheriff’s Office K-9 units undergo rigorous ongoing training programs to maintain proficiency in basic skills and ensure continued effective performance in the field. Each K-9 team must complete a state-mandated 10-week training course at a certified K-9 training facility. After completion of this initial training, Sheriff’s K-9 teams must maintain at least eight hours of in-service training each month. “The terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001 focused attention on the important roles that specially trained Canine (K-9) teams have in fighting terrorism as well as performing other law enforcement functions,” said Sheriff Oxley. “I am committed to keep this agency and our vital K-9 Units fully operational and at the forefront of New Jersey’s security priorities and crime fighting initiatives.” For additional information, call 732-308-2976 or log onto www.sheriffoxley.com
ATLANTIC HIGHLANDS , NJ —On January 22nd the St. Agnes pack 97 cub scouts will hold their annual Pinewood derby race at the St. Agnes school cafeteria. Weigh in begins at 12:30pm and the races start at 2:00pm. Forty-four boys ranging in ages from 7 to 11 years old will be competing for the much coveted First place trophy. Six dens in all will be involved. Each boy was handed a gift wrapped car kit at the St. Agnes Pack 97 Christmas party back in December. Each kit consists of one block of pine wood, 4 axles, 4 plastic wheels, and a sheet containing the rules for construction. It’s up to each boy to design and build his car. Of course, a little help from Mom and Dad is welcome. This year, in honor of the 75th anniversary of cub scouts, the boys will be breaking in a brand new track. The old track had served the pack very well for many years, but it had seen better days. The new track is being constructed by fathers of some of the boys in our pack with materials generously donated by Builder’s General of Little Silver and Craftsman Railing of Keyport. What a birthday present! Cindy Drastal the owner and operator of Goodies on First and Mount avenues of Atlantic Highlands has graciously invited Pack 97 to build their track in the basement of her store. Without her hospitality, and the generosity of the above mentioned businesses it could not have been built, according to Cub Master Michael F. Burke, Jr. " On behalf of all the boys and future cub scouts of Pack 97 we thank you," said Burke. The boys of St. Agnes Pack 97 invite you to stop in and see some really great car designs, while witnessing some fine racing techniques. Enjoy some warm popcorn and cold soda, or hot chocolate while you’re there. All proceeds go toward the purchasing of the winner’s trophies which will be handed out at the annual Blue and Gold celebration to be held at the WindnSea in the Highlands this February. No matter what the outcome of the races, all the boys and parents participating in the event are Winners! Mr. Burke said, "I congratulate each and every one of you." Good luck! And gentlemen, start your engines!
RED BANK, NJ — Red Bank Co-ed Adult Basketball will include 6 weeks of regular season games and one week of playoffs. The regular season games will take place on Tuesdays at 7:30 p.m. commencing January 25, 2005 and will be played at Red Bank Middle School located at 101 Harding Road, Red Bank. The playoff date will be announced at a later time. There must be 5 players on the court at all times of which at least 1 must be female. The official rules will be explained to all participants and captains. Remember - the emphasis is on having fun! You can sign up as a team or individually and you'll be put on a team. Game Dates: 1/25/05; 2/1/05; 2/8/05; 2/15/05; 2/22/05; 3/1/05; 3/8/05 - all games will be played between 7:30 - 9:30 p.m (in 1 hour slots). Registration deadline is 1/25/05. $ 30 per player, sign up at Red Bank Park & Recreation Dept. on Chestnut St. Red Bank Parks & Recreation - 732-530-2782 Bob Evans - Director
TINTON FALLS , NJ — If you are a fan of the widely popular “Antiques Roadshow” or have just been wondering what some of your family heirlooms and collectibles are worth, make plans to attend the Antique & Collectible Appraisathon ("Roadshow" type) on January 23, 1:00 - 4:00 p.m. at Monmouth Reform Temple, 332 Hance Ave., Tinton Falls.You will not only find out if you have a “true” treasure but will enjoy talking to others, swapping stories, seeing displays and having refreshments. Professional appraisers Chuck Peters, C.T. Peters, Inc., Appraisers, Red Bank, Estate Specialists, USPAP Certified ASA Accredited Member, Antiques & Decorative Arts; Suzy Anderson, ISA, CAPP, owner of Heritage Appraisal services and Anderson Auctions in Holmdel; Barbara R. Nevius, GG, ISA, NAJA, owner of Jewelry Appraisers & Consultants, Red Bank; and Charles Lloyd, appraiser of rare books, prints, autographs, documents, photographs will be there to tell you what kind of antique you have and how much it probably is worth. In addition there will be displays and opportunities to have your questions answered about furniture refinishing and restoration by George Hower, antique furniture restorer; antique and vintage textiles by Laura Kent, Plum Cottage Antiques; military items by Bob Feingold, militaria collector; and toys & trains by Michael Geary, toy collector & restorer. Advanced Registration: $5 includes 2 appraisals, $10 max. 4 appraisals. At Door Admission: $5 includes 1 appraisal, $10 max. 3 appraisals. Refreshments will also be available. For more information call 732-747-9365 ext. 0 LITTLE SILVER , NJ — Jersey Shore Rose Society, an affiliate of the American Rose Society (ARS), will be holding a meeting at 1:30 P.M., January 29th, at The Women’s Club, Church & Rumson Rd, Little Silver, NJ. The meeting will feature a slide presentation on the new rose introductions for 2005 and beyond, narrated by former ARS President and JSRS member, Frank Benardella. JSRS Consulting Rosarians will be available at 12:30 P.M. to answer any rose questions. Refreshments will be served. All are welcome to attend. For more information call (732) 836-9084.
LINCROFT, NJ — The 20th Annual Wilbur Ray Scholarship Dinner will honor five outstanding area residents, a community organization and a Distinguished Student on Friday, March 11. The dinner and awards presentation will be held at Gibbs Hall, Fort Monmouth from 6:00 p.m. - 10:00 p.m. The following area residents will be recognized as community leaders in the designated categories: · Healthcare Services: Jackeline Biddle, R.N., Esq., Long Branch · Education Services: Dr. Willie Kiah Hill, EdD, Matawan · Business Services: Alberto Moreno, Long Branch · Criminal Justice: Kenneth Parland, Tinton Falls · Community Services: James A. Wallace, Jr. A.P.S., Division of Alcoholism & Drug Abuse Services, Freehold · Community Organization Services: Monmouth County Cotillion Committee, Inc. · Distinguished Student: Tylik Railey (Brookdale Community College), Asbury Park The annual event provides scholarships to Brookdale Community College minority students. This year's scholarship presentations will include a $1000 award to an incoming Monmouth County high school student and four $500 scholarships to currently enrolled students. Sgt. Wilbur Ray was a long-time and devoted member of the Brookdale Community College Police Force. He was a dedicated husband, father, and grandfather, committed to education. He was an active and interested participant in his community of Long Branch. He was a devoted member of Trinity AME Church, serving as a Trustee and member of the Men's Club. His many community activities included the Liberty Community Center, Long Branch Civic and Cultural Association, Afro-American Society, Long Branch Board of Adjustment, Little League, and Monmouth County Democratic Executive Committee. Tickets for the scholarship event are $45, $24 for students. Reservations may be made by calling 732-224-2705.
ANDOVER, MA — Books Of Our Time, the award-winning show on CN8, The Comcast Network, hosted by the Massachusetts School of Law’s Dean Lawrence Velvel, has expanded. The show, before seen only by the network’s New England viewers, now reaches 6.4 million viewers from Maine to Maryland in the network’s mid-Atlantic area. On Sunday, January 9, on CN8, The Comcast Network, at 9 a.m. in the mid-Atlantic area and 11 a.m. in New England, Books Of Our Time’s fifth season debuted to critical acclaim with noted historian Paul Fussell and a discussion of two of his World War II classics, Doing Battle and The Boys’ Crusade. Books Of Our Time, winner of more than twenty Telly Awards, including the Award of Distinction, has replaced C-SPAN’s cancelled Booknotes as TV’s premiere showcase for serious author/book discussion. Dean Velvel and associate producer Diane Sullivan have produced a critically acclaimed forum for book discussion that is already an author favorite for its penetrating, in-depth analysis of the author’s work. Authors as accomplished and diverse as Pulitzer Prize-winner Joseph Ellis (Founding Brothers), Richard Posner (Public Intellectuals), Jean Edward Smith (Grant), and James Humes (Eisenhower and Churchill) have picked Dean Velvel as one of their favorite interviewers. With CN8’s new schedule and Books Of Our Time’s expansion, the show, before only broadcast 15 times a season, will now air 25 episodes, reaching a total of 6.4 million homes. This debut, featuring historian Fussell, is certain to garner additional awards and establish Books Of Our Time as television’s best forum for author expression.
SHREWSBURY, NJ — Photography Showcase 2005, the second annual all-photography exhibit at the Guild of Creative Art will open Sat., Feb. 5 and run thru March 2. This exhibit will be non-juried but will be judged for prizes. Last year's show featured over 150 entries by approximately 70 artists. The judge, Roz Rosenblum, is a widely-exhibited photographer and teacher. Past president of the South Shore Camera Club, she has had her work shown in numerous galleries and juried shows. Her work hangs in the Nassau County Museum of Art and the Hubbard Museum in New Mexico. The public is invited to a reception at the Guild on Sunday, Feb. 6 between 3 and 5pm to meet the artists. At this reception, cash prizes will be awarded for first, second and third place, as well as non-cash awards donated by sponsors in the area. The Guild of Creative Art is located at 620 Broad St., Shrewsbury, NJ, directly across from the Grove shopping center. It is open from 12:00-4:30 Monday thru Saturday. The phone number is (732)741-1441 and the web site is www.guildofcreativeart.com.
Production Premiers February 26 LINCROFT, NJ — Brookdale's Performing Arts Center (PAC) has announced the cast for the upcoming production, "The Pigman." Area students starring in the show include: · Allenwood: Chris Daly Director Bill Brown describes the concept of the show as a lesson of responsibility learned by the two main characters, John and Lorraine. The leads played by Kyle Kapp and Mary Myers start off as two kids whose main concerns are dealing with their nagging parents, where they are going to get money for beer and whether or not they will be caught in their white lies. They evolve through the play's story line to become two people who realize that not only do they have an affect on the world around them, but also they are responsible for their actions and the consequences that follow. "The Pigman" is currently required reading in many middle schools and the play is suitable for sixth graders and above. Show dates for the production are February 26 and March 5 at 7:00 p.m. and February 27 and March 2 at 2:00 p.m. Ticket prices are $15 adults, $13 seniors, BCC faculty/staff and non-BCC students (including children) and $10 for BCC students with ID. Groups are welcome but requested to reserve in advance. For tickets and information, contact the PAC Box Office at 732-224-2411.
KEYPORT, NJ — In 2004 Teresa Bolte and Chris Hudson, a mother and daughter team, launched a brand-new Keyport shop, The Clever Hen, specializing in gifts and home furnishings. Barely six months later, The Clever Hen is hatching something else new. Teresa Bolte's previous experience in retail, combined with her creativity and enthusiastic ideas, give The Clever Hen its personality and artistic flair. Her daughter, Chris Hudson, having come from a career as an investment manager in a stock transfer firm, brings solid know-how to the business-end of this venture. The team visits trade shows to stay abreast of what shoppers want; and they've already made The Clever Hen a vibrant part of the community through active participation in the schedule of Keyport's citywide events. Their store is becoming known as a friendly, fun place to stop in and enjoy "eye candy" -- an array of merchandise that shows wit and imagination.
Now Teresa and Chris kick off a new project as they host "Yesterday and Today," a display of original art by Middletown artists Mary Ann Russo and Cecilia Swatton. The art is currently on display, and will be until April 8. An open house will be held March 5, from 4 - 9 PM. Mary Ann Russo's hand-colored photographs take viewers from "yesterday to today:" some images evoke nostalgia, while others stir yearnings for escaping today's world to rest in faraway tropics. Her work has a soft, vintage look and invites viewers to share her vision of the beautiful, the innocent and the exotic. Her artwork has been published in Collage magazine and exhibited in The Guild of Creative Art, Monmouth Museum, Monmouth Beach Cultural Center, No Ordinary Joe's in Red Bank, Brookdale Community College, Staten Island's Snug Harbor Museum and the last four annual shows at the Reformed Temple in Tinton Falls. Cecilia Swatton's work ranges from the vintage look of yesterday to the modern/abstract look of today; from "flat" computer-generated art to three-dimensional wall hangings. Her artwork has been published in Expression magazine, The Stamper's Sampler magazine and Spring Hill Review, a West Coast journal. Her greeting cards and a limited selection of her assemblages are available year-around at Smuggler's Cove in Ocean Grove. Her work has been displayed at the Sheraton-Edison in the Raritan Center, Guild of Creative Art in Shrewsbury, No Ordinary Joe's in Red Bank, the 2004 show at the Reformed Temple in Tinton Falls, and a number of public libraries. At 34 W. Front Street, Keyport, The Clever Hen is open every day except Monday. The store's phone number: 732-264-3993.
SURPRISED BY THE LISTED PARTICIPANTS No sooner have we finished reading the Time and Newsweek magazines about Christmas than the church mail was filled with advertisements for Easter. This advertisement invited our area churches to join together and via satellite broadcasting participate in the Christian Church Network program entitled “THE GREAT RESURRECTION DEBATE – Was Jesus Really Resurrected?” Quickly, I glanced to find out who was the atheist leading the charge. I was surprised to find out that there was no atheist present, but a New Jersey retired Episcopal Bishop. Here is the promo: “Was the resurrection of Jesus an actual event in history? Dr. William Lane Craig Research Professor of Philosophy at Talbot School of Theology, believes there is powerful evidence to support this claim. John Shelby Spong, a retired Episcopal Bishop, not only believes the resurrection did not happen, he feels it’s time for the Christian message to be updated for the modern times.” 1. I think that Spong’s participation is totally unethical. I have no problem with atheists, agnostics or any non- Christian group arguing against the resurrection of Christ. I have a problem with Spong’s participation because he is misusing the church and the office that the church bestowed upon him. When he became a priest he took a vow to spread the teachings of the church and the central teaching of the Christian church is the resurrection of Christ. (About ten years ago, the Roman Catholic Church felt that one of its stellar teachers, Hans Kung no longer taught according to his vows, and forbid him to teach in any of the Catholic schools.) One of my professors used to say: “What is the purpose of your doctoral degree, if the Church of the Lord Jesus Christ does not receive any benefits?” The education of Bishop Spong, his salary during his work and his retirement have all been made possible by many people who believe in the resurrection of the Lord Jesus Christ. To paraphrase the statement of my professor: “the church is not only receiving no benefits; she is being destroyed by someone who benefited from her goodness which is directly connected with her beliefs.” Or in the words of Charles Haddon Spurgeon: “If preaching is not the best thing that you can do, go and do something else!” To present oneself as a retired Christian bishop talking against the Christian faith is at least unethical. Yet this ethical problem is not only Spong’s problem. It is a problem that is prevalent in many of our state colleges and universities in the Religion Departments. By now my college students know to ask their religion professors if they believe what they teach. For we have found out that there are many professors in the New Testament, Old Testament, and Theology departments who do not believe anything about the Bible. Instead of being honest with themselves and finding themselves another job which is the ethical thing to do, they stay in and destroy the faith of many college students. Almost one third of the students who are committed Christians in high school forsake their faith during their college studies. 2. Yet each generation has to find for itself the truths of the Bible, each generation has to decide for itself if the resurrection of the Lord Jesus Christ from the dead is true or a fabrication of Christ’s disciples. In this televised debate and in so many thousands of pulpits the resurrection proclamation will go forth and each individual has to decide. In writing an extensive chapter about Christ’s resurrection, Apostle Paul tells the Corinthian Church that if Christ has not been raised from the dead but they go on believing that He did, they are the most pitiful creatures of the whole earth. The resurrection of Jesus Christ has to stand on its own no matter how many people speak against it. 3. The danger in this debate is that many listening will be persuaded not by the logic and the historicity of the presentation, but by the fact that an Episcopal Bishop has denied faith. When I read Dante’s Inferno for the first time, I was surprised to find a number of bishops in the lowest level, Tartarus, together with the Devil. Some were assigned there because of their political evil machinations, but some were assigned there because they denied faith and became heretics. Apostles John and Peter write about Christian leaders who leave the faith (1 John 2:18-19, 2 Peter 2:1-22) “Dear children, this is the last hour; and as you have heard that the antichrist is coming, even now many antichrists have come. They went out from us, but they did not really belong to us. For if they belonged to us, they would have remained with us; but their going showed that none of them belonged to us.” (1 John 2:18-19) When I hear the name of John Shelby Spong I remember the words that Paul wrote to the Galatians Church: “I am astonished that you are so quickly deserting the one who called you by the grace of Christ and are turning to a different gospel—which is really no gospel at all. Evidently some people are throwing you into confusion and are trying to pervert the gospel of Christ. But even if we or an angel from heaven should preach a gospel different than the one we preached to you, let him be eternally condemned! As we have already said, so now I say again: If anybody is preaching a gospel other than what you accepted, let him be eternally condemned.” (Gal. 1:6-9) I am afraid for Bishop Spong who formerly preached the true gospel that centered on the resurrection of Jesus Christ, but now has made another gospel which will bring him eternal condemnation.
CAMPBELL'S DEPARTURE LEAVES VOID AT BOROUGH HALL Last week in Atlantic Highlands, the zoning officer left. This week, the Chief Financial Officer of the borough packed it in. In one of the saddest moves in recent years, the Mayor and Council accepted the resignation of Catherine Campbell effective Friday January 21. During her twelve years at the borough, Ms. Campbell proved her worth over and over again. She was an extremely valuable employee and one of the most non- political people to walk through borough hall. Through the years, politicians from both sides of the aisle have praised her work and she brought the highest level of professionalism to the office each day. She will be missed and difficult to replace. Her departure leaves a huge void for our town in the short term, but the decision still has many First Avenue observers scratching their heads. What caused her to leave after putting in twelve years to Atlantic Highlands? How much did the current turmoil at borough hall contribute to the decision? Was she tired of all the micro managing that the Donoughue Administration brought to borough hall? Was it because the Administration adopted an employee sign in policy that was more grade school than grad school? We won’t know because she isn’t saying’. Typically, her resignation letter said little while stating personal reasons for leaving and Ms. Campbell wouldn’t go any further- publicly or privately. We do know that when a highly regarded CFO decides to walk without another job, it speaks volumes about the working conditions. Those conditions are set from the top and no matter how the Mayor and his mates might try to spin this one; things aren’t going as advertised or promised in Atlantic Highlands borough hall.
DEFEATING JUDICIAL TYRANNY In a recent article, “Tyranny of judicial taxation,” (1) former Congressman Bob Barr spoke of the danger “judicial taxation” represents to our liberty – all within the context of a recent ruling by the Kansas Supreme Court. As Mr. Barr put it: “The Kansas Supreme Court has just ruled the state's democratically established level of education funding was… constitutionally inadequate, and ordered the legislature to cough up more dough.” Mr. Barr described the court’s reasoning as flimsy, and he is right that the ruling is intolerable and dangerous. But I believe he should direct some of his alarm at legislatures which support the charade of judicial “authority” to make such rulings. There is no such authority. The powers of the three branches of government over each other are clearly spelled out in the Constitution:
The states follow this same model in their constitutions. In recent years, activist courts have exhibited a tendency to rule where they lack authority. Political factions often applaud such excursions for their own purposes, knowing that matters thus “enacted” could not be passed by the legislature because they lack popular support. The Kansas Supreme Court “directing” the legislature to raise taxes is such a case. Alexander Hamilton called the courts the “weakest” branch of government. We chuckle at this now because the courts seem so powerful. They are rampant on the political field. Just last week an individual sued in Federal District Court to prevent prayer at the presidential Inauguration. The media, the Congress – the whole country, really – held their collective breath to see if the courts would “allow” the customary invocation and benediction during the ceremony. We trembled at the power of the courts to deconstruct yet another cherished tradition of our culture and history. But this is nonsense. Courts cannot “rule” over the Executive branch (or over the Legislative branch) in this way. Even if the court had ruled against prayer, the president need not obey with respect to his own inauguration. This is beyond the courts’ jurisdiction. Actually, Hamilton was more correct than we currently understand. The courts are weak, for they lack enforcement power outside of the judicial system. They have no police, no army – no power of sword or purse. They depend on the good will of the other branches to enforce their directives. That good will worked for a long time. The courts made (mostly) sober, well considered rulings which the other branches enforced. Now, however, the whole “gentlemen’s arrangement” threatens to collapse because the courts have overstepped their role. Judicial adventurism has caused a swelling constitutional crisis which must finally come to a head. No doubt, Mr. Bush’s advisors breathed a sigh of relief because they did not have to defy the court on this occasion. But eventually they will, as the courts continue to spin out of control. A showdown with the other branches of government is inevitable. It can only be a matter of time until a state legislature realizes that rulings like the one in Kansas are bogus and should be ignored. If the Kansas legislature defies the court, what will the court be able to do? Hold legislators in contempt? Sue? Send the sheriff to arrest them? Indeed, such a case has appeared in a dispute over the seating of Democrat Virginia Woodward in the Kentucky State Senate. Miss Woodward lost the recent election to Republican Dana Stephenson, but it was shown that Miss Stephenson had lived in Indiana for four of the past six years. Thus, she apparently failed Kentucky’s residency requirement. Jefferson Circuit Judge Barry Willett ruled that only Miss Woodward's votes should be sent to the election board, making her the ostensible winner. Despite this ruling, the state Election Board has not certified Miss Woodward. Senate President David Williams refuses to seat her, citing the Senate’s authority over who should be seated. The court’s ruling has been ignored. (The dispute remains unsettled.) Like most politicians, Mr. Barr has been brainwashed by conventional political wisdom into believing in court supremacy. He thinks court overreach can be stopped only by finding judges who will “behave”. He fails to see that the solution to judicial tyranny is already available. When courts make silly rulings – e.g., that men must be able to marry men, that citizens may not speak the name of the Christian God, that perversion must be taught to children in the public schools, that a legislature must enact a judicially dictated agenda – the effective response is Nothing. Legislatures should not act. Executives should not execute. The People should not obey. A thundering silence is all that is needed to defeat acts of judicial overreach. All branches of government derive “their just powers from the consent of the governed”. The courts’ “power” to rule outside their defined purview is an illusion because it is unjust. This will be realized when a judge tries to jail a school principal for contempt because he permitted a Christmas carol or tree at his school. The people will not countenance such outrages. Their disobedience will break the tyranny of the courts. The only question is when it will happen. When it does, politicians like Mr. Barr will not lead the way. They are fully vested in the current system and have too much to lose. Other leaders will have to arise, as they did in 1776. The Patriots of ‘76 did not create a nation by mindlessly saluting every silly law put forward by the British Crown. Their limit was a tax on tea. What will ours be? Our republic, as Mr. Reagan famously observed, is not a ‘suicide pact’. ******* (1) “Tyranny of judicial taxation”, Washington Times, 1/14/05. (http://washingtonti mes.com/commentary/20050113-091120-3054r.htm)
RADIATION THERAPY - MOM'S AND MINE It was in the early sixties when my Mother was diagnosed with breast cancer. I was a teenager and did not realize the severity of what was going on. We were not as informed back then. She had a radical mastectomy at Riverview and went for cobalt treatments in Long Branch. Mom was very brave through the whole procedure. The only time I remember her being very upset was when she came home with big purple dashes outlining the treatment areas of her body. She was a tough lady, a hard worker and very giving. After her cobalt treatment she continued to smoke. I don’t believe there were many follow up treatments. I remember the cobalt equipment looking like a massive x ray machine. They still use cobalt 60 today but it is very limited. Mom remained cancer free for 30 years before the cancer came back. We fought it for 3 years before she passed away in 1992. The radiation treatment I started this week at Riverview is a whole new world. The equipment there is regarded as cutting edge and uses a linear accelerator which is electromagnetic radiation with pinpoint accuracy compared to older cobalt units. Because the treatment is to the neck a mask is molded to hold you in place for each treatment. It was a little claustrophobic at first but that was mostly from nerves. Dr. Kaufman and the staff at Riverview are very informative and there are dozens of medicines to help you through the process while protecting vital functions. The treatment only takes 10 minutes but will take place five days a week for seven weeks along with three chemotherapy treatments over that same seven weeks. I started that yesterday and the treatment was now as bad as I anticipated but my energy level is only about 70 percent. Knowing me… that is like putting me in chains. There will be a lot of side affects from all these treatments and drugs being put into me. Considering this was caught so early and there is only a small cluster of cancer cells I ask my Doctor if I needed the chemotherapy as well as the radiation. His answer was “Yes, we would feel negligent if we did not do everything that was called for as well as following up on the holistically as will as with regular exercise and follow up check ups.” I will try to write about the chemotherapy next week and all the people I am meeting in the new to me cancer club.
ANOTHER SPECIAL KEANSBURG BOROUGH COUNCIL MEETING 1/12/05! There was yet another special meeting of the Keansburg Borough council this past Wednesday 1/12/05. The purpose of this special meeting was to allow the council to introduce previously discussed amendments to the 2005 Municipal budget. Those budget changes were introduced as resolution 14. That resolution was set down for a public hearing and final consideration at the next regular council meeting. In addition to resolution 14 for the budget amendments 6 other resolutions were on the agenda for consideration. Resolution number 10 was to return a tax overpayment. Resolution number 11 authorized the creation of the Water Study Commission that was discussed during the previous special meeting. Resolution 12 was the redemption of a lien. Resolution number 13 authorized the creation of a Tsunami relief fund along with aid to the victims of the terrible weather in California. Persons interested in donating to the fund should contact the borough clerks office. Resolution number 15 authorized the appointment of a special council to handle a labor related matter. Lastly resolution 16 authorizes purchase of two police cars under the state contract. The meeting was then opened to the public during which 4 persons spoke. As per resolution number 10 above I just want to take a moment to remind everyone that the Keansburg Borough Council is accepting resumes of persons interested in serving on a soon to be formed Water Committee. Interested parties should submit resumes, expressions of interest in serving or other pertinent information to the Acting Borough Manager. Upcoming Council meetings. For the month of January, there is one regularly scheduled meeting of the Keansburg Borough Council. The regular meeting will be on Wednesday 01/26/05 at 6 PM. As usual, the Keansburg Borough Council holds all meetings in the council chambers at borough hall on the fourth Wednesday of each month. Please help spread the word about our borough council meetings to all your friends, relatives and neighbors. Upcoming town events and announcements. Keansburg Baseball and Softball announces signup’s for 2005 season - Sign ups for the 2005 season of Keansburg Baseball and Softball will be held Collin's Field building e for players 5 to 16 years old. Sign up dates are on Fridays January 7, 14, 21, 28 and Saturdays January 8, 15, 22, 29, Friday February 4 and 11 and Saturday February 5 and 12. All sign up will be held on the Friday dates from 7 - 9 pm and on the Saturday dates from 10 am to 2 pm. Please not that these dates will be the only sign up dates for the league. The January and February monthly meetings of Keansburg Baseball and Softball will also be at the Collin's field building on the first Tuesday of those months as usual. For more information and any questions regarding Keansburg Baseball and Softball, contact John Hila at 732-787-1642. Reminders. I would like to remind everyone that the Keansburg Tree and Beautification Committee meets on the first Sunday of each month at 7 PM in Borough Hall. All meetings are open to the public. This organization is still seeking volunteers to help with the many projects they have planned. If you would like to volunteer please attend any of the monthly meetings. Please make note that the Keansburg Recreation Committee meets on the third Wednesday of each month at 7 PM in Borough Hall. The meetings are always open to the public. Volunteers are often sought to work on upcoming projects. 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.
ECO-MANIACS SCREAM ‘FIRE’ WHERE THERE IS NO FIRE Eco-maniacs are violating our First Amendment rights by yelling “fire” in a theater when there is no fire. Freedom of speech must be based on facts – not fiction or some cockamamie theory. The eco-maniacs who warn “the sky is falling” every day of their lives are fear-mongers promoting their own political agendas, such as outlawing those big sports utility vehicles (SUVs) that gulp gas and pollute the atmosphere. They actually think that SUVs will destroy our five-billion-year-old planet, along with all other petroleum-fueled vehicles. They hate oil, gasoline and petrochemicals, and love solar energy and windmills for generating electricity (as in electric-recharged batteries for autos). The eco-nuts are really going crazy over “Global Warming,” their biggest propaganda issue since they proclaimed the coming of another “Ice Age” in the early 1970s. When the ice age didn’t materialize in the ‘70s, or ‘80s, they replaced it with “Global Warming” by the 1990s. Now that snow has fallen on San Antonio, Texas, on Christmas day, for the first time in recorded history, the eco-whackos might just go back to the Ice Age folly of the ‘70s and ‘80s to shore up their sinking credibility. The latest blow to their Global Warming” theory has come from perhaps the most popular science fiction novelist of our time, Michael Crichton, a summa cum laude graduate of Harvard University. The Ivy League scientist-turned-novelist just released a book titled “State of Fear.” In it, Crichton’s villains are environmental extremists. They are beside themselves because they cannot scientifically prove their theory that “Global Warming” will be a disaster for planet Earth. Without credible scientific data, the environmental doom-and-gloom gang will lose their “leadership” role in the political debates over the future of not just the planet, but the United States as well. Liberals like former Vice-President Al Gore and U.S. Senator John Kerry buy into the “Global Warming” hysteria in order to get the environmental vote. Like the Democrat party, the environmental movement has been hijacked by the liberals and socialists trying to transform America into a Marxist-styled European state. The Marxist Green Party is gaining ground in Europe and, recently, in America with the help of presidential candidates like Ralph Nader, the crusading consumer advocate. I have always had doubts about “Global Warming”when I was the Environment Editor-Columnist at New Jersey’s largest newspaper, The Star-Ledger (Newhouse Newspapers), from 1969 to 1996. In that lofty editorial position, I was bombarded with dozens of books on the coming of the next Ice Age in the 1970s. The last Ice Age 12,000 years ago buried much of New Jersey under glaciers that reconfigured the land throughout this peninsula State. After the hysteria over the Ice Age, the Global Warming theory became fashionable among the eco-elite. Now that theory is being challenged by one of the finest scientific minds of my generation, Michael Crichton, author of Jurrasic Park, the Andromeda Strain and Timeline, all of which have been made into blockbuster movies. Just imagine a movie on “State of Fear.” It will make Michael Moore’s 911 Fahrenheit documentary look like a fictional fairy tale. Crichton has credibility. Moore doesn’t.Bye-bye, Global Warming! (Gordon Bishop, a national award-winning author, historian and syndicated columnist, is New Jersey’s first “Journalist-of-the-Year” – 1986/New Jersey Press Association.)
RARE BIRD LIFE AT SANDY HOOK GETTING SCARCE The American Littoral Society (ALS) in their December 2004 newsletter announced the population status of some of the endangered and threatened nesting wildlife that call the Sandy Hook peninsular home. Sadly, the news was not good. Although the osprey population at Sandy Hook seemed stable in 2003, the latest report asserts that the osprey population in summer 2004 was stressed. Three nests produced four young; an average of 1.3 chicks per nest, which according to New Jersey’s Endangered and Nongame Species Program (ENSP), is about average. Yet, six other osprey nests at Sandy Hook were occupied by adults in the spring, but then abandoned for unidentified reasons. Piping plover populations at Sandy Hook were not getting along much better during last summer. Indeed, 2004 was an awful year for this petite NJ state endangered bird. About 31 nesting pairs yielded 207 eggs, which is about 6.6 eggs per nest. Yet, only 43 out of those 207 eggs hatched, and even worse only 21 newborn piping plovers fledged. This equals to about .68 fledged per young, which is below ENSP’s goal of 1.5 fledged young per pair. This makes 2004 the worst summer nesting season for piping plovers at Sandy Hook since 1997. The American Littoral Society reported that about 60 percent of the loss was due to red fox predation, despite continued efforts to protect nests with cages. Another possible limitation included the chilly, wet weather in 2004. The NJ state endangered least tern population, though, had the worst summer nesting season at Sandy Hook in 2004. No young become healthy enough to become fully grown. Out of 138 adult birds counted at Sandy Hook, zero chicks fledged. Some of the continued threats to the long term health of the least tern population in NJ according ENSP include increased predation from raccoons, red foxes, skunks, rats, gulls, and crows. Moreover, frequent human activity near nesting sites have caused adult least terns to abandon their nests, and leave chicks and eggs vulnerable. For thousands of years, ospreys, piping plovers, and least terns have been arriving to our estuarine region each spring to raise their young. Once there was rich, natural habitat in which these birds could live and breed. Nowadays, these magnificent species are forced to share shrinking and largely contaminated habitat with many other species, including humans. Keeping these birds healthy and their population numbers high is critical if we truly want to maintain the balance of nature and a high quality of life for all species to enjoy. I hope there will always be enough good habitat in Sandy Hook Bay for people to take pleasure in the seasonal sight of these beautiful nesting shorebirds. We should all wish for people to forever recognize the fundamental value of shorebirds, and that proper actions, such as the purchase and protection of open spaces along the coast, are made to guarantee their future. For more information on the Endangered and Nongame Species Program in New Jersey, check out their website at http://www.nj.gov/dep/fgw/ensphome.htm For more information on the American Littoral Society, their website address is: http://www.littoralsociety.org
TIMING IS EVERYTHING One of the most daunting tasks for both the professional chef and the home cook is coordinating the preparation of multiple items so that they are completed at the same time. And it doesn’t matter how easy the recipes are for each item in the menu. It’s orchestrating them into a temporally accurate masterpiece that’s the challenge. There are two considerations when it comes to timing your meal. The first is timing the courses so that there is ample time to consume each item in a relaxed manner and have some digestive downtime before the next presentation. Naturally this depends on how elaborate your dinner is. If your first course is a salad, followed by the meat and potatoes, then it’s pretty simple. But if you’re planning a series of courses, then the sequencing and inter-course intervals become a scheduling mine field. The life saver in this scenario is the time between courses can be used to prepare the succeeding one. Moreover, since your guests are being fed in increments, nobody will be inordinately hungry. This allows some leeway for courses requiring extra time. The second and more vexing timing issue is the aforementioned quandary of organizing numerous dishes so that they are finished simultaneously, such as an entrée and its side dishes. Take for example, a rack of lamb, its accompanying sauce, the mashed potatoes, sautéed green beans, and the homemade dinner roles. Yikes! To make matters worse, if you are following a recipe, you absolutely can not rely on the recipe’s guidelines for cooking times. Why? Because there are countless ways the recipe can vary. You are not employing the exact same product, equipment, and/or possibly the same level of expertise as the recipe writer. I recently made chicken from a recipe for one of the cooking classes that I teach. It took a full 20 minutes longer to cook than the recipe called for. Recipe cooking times are rough guidelines at best. Here are some strategies to improve your culinary timing: 1) The best thing you can do is gradually record how long it takes to make every dish in your repertoire. Be it a regular item or a new recipe, every time you make something, time it and write it down. Eventually you will have a time frame for all your dishes so you can manage various combinations of them. 2) Try to do as much of the prep work, (washing, trimming, chopping, etc.), ahead of time as possible. Better to have extra time on your hands than to be burdened with menial chores throwing monkey wrenches into your organization. 3) When planning a menu, especially an extensive one, plan a course or two that can be made the day before and heated up at the last minute with no adverse effects. Some preparations actually taste better after a day of resting. Soup is a perfect example. Most soups can be made the day before, placed in the fridge and heated up at the right moment the next day. Salsas, dips, stews, and some casseroles will also improve with flavor overnight. 4) Consider dishes that do not require precise cooking times, and use this leeway to prepare other items or as a buffer should things not go as planned. For example, simmering your Bolognese sauce or braising your pot roast an extra 15 minutes is not going to make a big difference. This provides a wider window to accomplish other tasks in a timely fashion. 5) Use thermometers! Never trust an oven. Even with quality stoves, the actual temperature and the dial setting can be worlds apart and this will unpredictably affect cooking times. An oven thermometer eliminates guesswork and unwanted surprises. 6) Some foods can be kept warm after completion and do not need to be served immediately. Just like preparations that lack precise cooking times, use these items as your “stand-by” dishes while you toil on the victuals that must be more precise. For example, suppose you were serving poached fish with a side of steamed clams. Clams are ready as soon as they open and quickly overcook and become rubbery. Aim to have the fish done a little before the clams. As long as you reduce the poaching liquid to 135-140 degrees, (the ideal serving temperature for fish), the fish can rest in the poaching liquid free from overcooking, since it can’t get hotter than the surrounding medium. Thus, the moment the clams are done, the fish is ready and waiting.
Series on (Part ):
Caroline Ceniza-Levine, head of career consultancy CL Search Services, is also an adjunct professor of Professional Development at Columbia University and a career/life coach. Caroline can be reached at 212-502-8593 or at her website at www.thinkasinc.com.
LET’S ASK EINSTEIN ABOUT GOD Why does God allow the evil that is so pervasive in our world? Does that question shake our faith? We have heard answers from theologians, mythologists and philosophers. This time I wanted to hear it from a scientist. I wanted to know what a scientist uncovers as he intuits the mysteries of the universe. So why not go to Albert Einstein. What did Einstein know about ‘evil?’ There is a story attributed to Einstein as a young student. Perhaps it is fiction, but it seems to be as Einsteintonial as any other fine argument: An atheist professor of sociology wanted to disprove the existence of God, so he asked this series of questions of his students: “Did God create everything in the universe?” He got his anticipated answer. The students said, “Yes.” “Does evil exist in the world?” Again they said, “Yes.” The professor gave his “Aha,” and said, “then God created evil. If we follow the principle that 'we are defined by our works,' then God is evil.” There was a silence in the class. A young man stood up and asked the professor if he believed in cold. The professor answered in the affirmative. The young man explained that cold was the absence of heat. “Cold in itself does not exist. It is nothing except the lack of the energy of heat.” Then he asked, “Do you believe in darkness?” The professor nodded ”Yes.” “Well,” the young man continued, “darkness cannot be measured until a beam of light is shone into it. We can measure the rays of light as it shines into darkness. Darkness cannot be measured. It is only an absence of light. It does not exist except as a term to describe such absence.” “Now,” this student asked, “do you believe in evil?” The professor felt on better ground now. He said, “of course I do. We see it every day in violence of all kinds, in killing and maiming.” “Evil does not exist,” said the young Einstein. “It is a concept we use to describe the absence of God’s love. Evil is the same as cold and darkness. Just as cold and darkness are the absence of heat and light, so evil is the absence of Good. And so, in that same vein, we add the quotation that everyone admires: “All that is necessary for the triumph of evil is that good men do nothing.” Edmund Burke, Irish statesman, author and philosopher. More . . . Could it be that we need more OUTRAGE? Is that the answer to the absence of love? Have we become too complacent? Do we feel powerless in the face of so much evil? It is a wicked trick of evil-doers to change the wording of their bad deeds so that the wrong seems less wrong, or, can you believe it, even right. It has become an art form today to spin words so ‘adroitly’ that the spinners can glide right over the real impact of the happening, or even shift blame. That’s the reason that malicious people can get away with so many evil deeds. Good men do nothing. (They’re tired.) That’s because the world is becoming manic-depressive. Feed the Mania. Everything must go very fast, and then faster yet - - fast food, fast computers, fast talking, fast reading, fast shopping, fast appointments, fast games, fast planes, fast cars. We just can’t get manic enough. After the mania phase, comes the depressive phase. Here, we can do almost nothing. Complete weariness and disillusion set in. At this juncture, let OUTRAGE appear. It will lift the depression and give us a goal. There are so many things that need correcting. We must never become a ‘nation of sheep.’ More . . A word on Meditation. Buddhists have always said it changes the mind in so many good ways. Now the University of Wisconsin has proved it. There, researchers monitored the most accomplished meditators and found they produced the highest number of gamma brain waves that were ever observed. Gamma waves bring happiness, heightened awareness, and improved thinking. The researchers say the exercise of meditation appears to rewire the brain’s circuitry. It does for the brain what physical exercise does for the body. And at a delightfully slow pace.
REPORTS OF RIVER, BAY AND OCEAN FISHING >==>>>>:> >>=>>>:>
>==>>>>:> >>=>>>:>
I HAVE BECOME MY MOTHER I have become my mother. How do I know this, aside from the softening of the jawline, the impatience with bad service in restaurants and the military precision with which I organize the drawers in my kitchen? I think teenage boys are idiots. No, scratch that. I think all teenagers are idiots. I can back this up. As I write this, the temperature is hovering around 18 degrees. This morning, I drove my son to school. He wore a sweatshirt and a jacket. No gloves, no hat. I asked why he was dressed for a day 20 degrees warmer than the thermometer indicated and he shrugged. “I’m fine” he said, as the car heater did its’ job – “I’m not cold”. His hands were like turtle heads, deep inside his sleeves. I’m guessing his ears were protected by the Walkman headphones. It’s been a long time since I traded frostbite for sartorial cool, so what do I know? We pulled up to the front of the school, where several dozen students were milling about in the morning sun. NOW I remembered – those miserable winter mornings waiting for the bus to St. John Vianney – a school headed up by a priest so unmoved by reason that he refused to allow the girls to wear pants into the school. We promised we’d change into our uniform skirts as soon as we got in, but no dice. Evidently, he was convinced that pantyhose were an acceptable substitute for a layer of wool or denim. Naturally, my friends and I got around that asinine rule by changing on the bus. But there were always the girls who never seemed to mind. The cold weather made their cheeks pinker, their hair shinier. I tried to be like them, but the cold weather just made my nose run when I got inside. There is something strangely comforting about how little has changed, at least outwardly, with Catholic high school girls and their uniforms. The shirts are still untucked, the shoes are still comfortable but ungainly to look at and the skirts still flirt with the consequence of high winds. I shivered just looking at them. Jackets open, a scarf flapping…but they seemed fine. I sent my son off with a warning to button up. He rolled his eyes at me. Look, this is not a dig at your kid - I don’t want to hear about how brilliant and good-hearted and fabulous your teenager is. Mine is, too. On a day like this, your kid is an idiot. My kid is an idiot. I’m not sure when warmth trumped hat-head in my life, but I am grateful that I don’t care anymore. Maybe the day I made that choice was the day I began to become my mother. It has been honed over years of my own motherhood – be safe; be careful; you’re not hurt, you’re okay; you’ll put your eye out; no, you can’t watch another hour of Total Request Live….I came very close to just heading out to the store and buying him ANOTHER pair of gloves and ANOTHER winter hat. Would he wear them? Probably not. I just hope that his day was sufficiently uncomfortable that he’ll put the ones he already owns on tomorrow. What am I saying? The cold has slowed the flow of blood to all their brains. The best any of us can hope for is an early spring.
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.
MY THIRD BABY Last week the FedEx man delivered my third “baby”—a copy of my book. All English majors in college have one dream—to publish. It doesn’t really matter if the book tops the best-seller’s list or even makes a ton of money (though that would, of course, be nice)--it’s just important that we put our words out there into the world for others to read. Being published means you’re a good writer, that you’ve excelled at the writer’s craft. My being published is a dream come true. Way back when, as a high school student, I wanted to be an ace reporter and expose corruption. Watergate was the ‘big’ story when I was younger, and I followed Woodward and Bernstein, journalists at the Washington Post, as they ultimately brought down President Nixon. I read the book they later wrote called All The President’s Men, and I often wondered—and still wonder—who was ‘Deep Throat’, the anonymous source who was instrumental in shedding light on the truth. I had traveled far from Nancy Drew mysteries at that point, and I was ready to take on the world. Editor of my high school newspaper, I exposed a very minor law being broken in the funding of the school lunch program, and it made the front page of our community newspaper—a real newspaper in the real world (albeit small) in addition to the school’s newspaper. Instead of hailing me a hero like my mentors Woodward and Bernstein, I was branded ‘troublemaker’. Suddenly this quiet, studious girl caused the principal to turn beat red—even his temples would noticeably pulsate and throb—when I walked by his office. I was proud, my newspaper advisor was amused, and my father was furious! “You’re not going to graduate!” he lamented, holding his head in his hands. Of course that wasn’t true. I exposed the truth—I didn’t plagiarize or bring a gun to school! Yet my father gave me a mandate for the rest of my senior year—only ‘happy’ news articles could I write. What happened to freedom of the press? I asked him, incensed and dismayed that he would censor me! My own father! But, well, he did, and there was no discussing it. So for the rest of my senior year, the newspaper was ‘happy’ and avoided any type of controversy. At college I majored in English. I wanted to perfect my writing skills. I could learn the rules of journalism later. A reporter writes, and I wanted to be an excellent writer. That’s what the New York Times wanted, I figured, and I was ready to go knocking on their door when I graduated. My father, always the skeptic, begged me to have a ‘back-up plan’ when I nixed his idea of me becoming a dental hygienist. (He said they always are employable and I would be successful finding part time hours when I became a mother—not what I wanted to hear at my age! I didn’t even like science and became queasy at the sight of blood!) What can you do with an English degree? this man questioned. He wasn’t as sure as I was that the newspaper world was my future home, so to appease him and in order to get him to allow me to enroll as an English major, I had to promise to get my teaching degree—the ‘back up.’ So I concentrated in secondary education, and took my required Ed. Psych. and Methods courses. The very first day of my student teaching requirement, I fell in love with the classroom. I realized how I could affect young minds, how I could combine my love of literature with my love of writing and really make a difference in the lives of young people. With that, a teacher was born. There was no turning back. After I graduated I became an English teacher—and to every school I went throughout the next thirteen years I was the newspaper advisor, the yearbook advisor, or the literary magazine advisor, satisfying my love of publication writing. Now the teacher, I impassioned my students to write and expose the truth—and that caused controversy and headaches to some of my favorite principals over the years, but it also opened the door to the world of writing to students both in the hills of West Virginia and in the affluent suburbs of New Jersey. That gave me great satisfaction. Then I became a mother, and my focus was on my children. My career took a back seat…until Lucy’s adoption ignited my writing passion all over again. It was dormant for several years—a few essays here or there, some published in the newspaper to the thrill of my students—but I didn’t write anything serious. During the adoption I poured my heart out, exposing all of my emotional ups and downs weekly in the Atlantic Highlands Herald where I was granted my first shot at column writing. Over a year later, that writing would prove to be highly significant. That writing became my book. I couldn’t believe my eyes when a publisher—a real publisher—sent me a bonafide contract to publish my book Waiting For Lucinda. And from there I labored over the text—edited, polished, rewrote passages, created chapters, read aloud parts that I wasn’t sure about, created prologues and epilogues—this was stuff only in dreams I imagined doing! I stayed up late at night after Dave and the girls were asleep and intensely concentrated on my craft. Hours melted into seconds, it seemed, when I was at the computer ‘drawing board’, creating what would become my book. So when the FedEx man rang my doorbell last week and dropped off the package, he didn’t realize that this stop, in particular, was historic for the occupant inside. He didn’t know the labor of love that he was holding in his hands. He hadn’t a clue that he was the stork, delivering my third ‘baby.’ My heart beating quickly, I opened the package and held oh-so-delicately the paperback book inside that had my name on the cover—my name!!! I looked at the binding of the book—there was my name again—my name!!! I looked at the back cover, and there was my picture—my picture—with a blurb about me, the author! Unbelievable… I was beaming just as I beamed when I gave birth to Miranda, just as I beamed holding Lucy in my arms in Guatemala for the very first time… My girls…my book…my three babies. Dreams really do come true. I am a published author! ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- To see my third ‘baby,’ go to www.publishamerica.com and type in the title of my book Waiting For Lucinda. It can be ordered here or at www.amazon.com or www.bn.com . What do you think? Email me at Ashore75@houston.rr.com.
NASDAQ AND THE TRANSPORTATION DEPARTMENT It seems that Nasdaq officials, appreciating the role of ferries during the September 11th crisis, generously gave the Transportation Department $1 million in 2002 to buy a new ferry. The only problem is that the cost of ferries has been skyrocketing in recent times and $1 million just doesn’t seem to buy as much as it used to. Even a small, used ferry goes for more than a million. In light of all of these rising prices, the Transportation Department has decided that they would like to buy a fast utility boat that could be used in emergencies aboard the Staten Island ferry or any other private ferry that plies the City’s harbor. Evacuation would not be the main work of such a boat, rather it would supply a stricken ferry with emergency workers and/or supplies. A spokesman for the Transportation Department, Tom Cocola, said “both Nasdaq and the City believe that a high-speed utility boat will enhance the City’s capability to respond to crises and emergencies which could affect the movement of commuters and tourists on the City’s municipal and private ferries.” After the September 11th attacks, Nasdaq created the Nasdaq Disaster Relief Fund to which Nasdaq, its employees, and those companies whose shares trade on its market contributed $3 million. Of that amount, $1 million was donated to the Transportation Department for the purchase of a ferry. Hopefully, the Transportation Department will act quickly, before the price of even smaller boats goes beyond their reach, and we may see one or two smaller utility boats cruising the harbor bearing the Nasdaq logo. If you are wondering just what $1 million will buy, consider that the small, yellow boats operated by NY Water Taxi were $1.2 million each when they were purchased a couple of years ago. NY Water Taxi currently is having two more boats built, both with a price tag of $2 million. Seastreak’s boats, when purchased were over $6 million and each of the new Staten Island ferries were $40 million. Sort of makes you think that investing in boat-building companies just might not be such a bad idea. One more thing to wonder about…..if Nasdaq donated the funds in 2002, what has the Transportation Department been doing with the funds, since $1 million has stayed at $1 million in the 2+ years that they have had it. Perhaps Nasdaq should have offered some investment advice along with the cash.
GRAB THE BRASS RING The carousel whirls round and round, The cadence of calliope swells Boardwalk faces blur, stallions arm outstretched, fingers flexed GILDA KREUTER (editors note: Do you have poetry to share? Send your submission to editor@ahherald.com.) Picture This!View Picture This! Archive
Picture This! We'll show you a photo each week - taken in Monmouth County - and you tell us where it is located. 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
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 OPEN LETTER TO NEW JERSEY BOARD OF PUBLIC UTILITIES PRESIDENT JEANNE M. FOX Dear President Fox: My office has been closely monitoring the negotiation process between Jersey Central Power & Light (JCP&L) and the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW) System Council U-3, which represents many of JCP&L’s employees. As you know, an impasse in the discussions regarding health care benefits and other matters has resulted in a work stoppage among approximately 1,350 JCP&L employees represented by the IBEW. This work stoppage commenced on December 7, 2004 and has continued through the date of this letter. It is my understanding that JCP&L has taken steps to continue its services by utilizing its existing workforce to perform the functions of those employees who are participating in the work stoppage. JCP&L employees involved in this stoppage are not receiving any compensation or benefits during their time away from work. While I do not have information with respect to the amount of expenses being “saved” as a result of this suspension of employee benefits, the amount of salary savings being realized by JCP&L during this period is significant. In fact, my estimates indicate that the amount of these savings is approaching $7 million, assuming an average annual salary of $50,000 for these employees. In an effort to ensure that the benefit of these expense savings is passed on to JCP&L customers, I respectfully request that the NJBPU consider this matter in the course of its regulatory oversight. Please contact me at any time if you have any questions, or if anyone at the BPU would be able to provide further insight into this matter. Thank you for your consideration. Sincerely, Michael J. Panter UNITED FOR CHANGE STILL FIGHTING THE KEANSBURG POLICE United For Change Councilpersons Pecora and Cantillo continue to assail the Keansburg Police Department. At the last Boro Council Meeting, Councilwoman Dianne Cantillo commented that she could not understand why Boro Manager Tom Cusick was purchasing a couple of badly needed police cars, when the Boro had yet to finalize its 2004 – 2005 Municipal Budget. Had she been a regular attendee of previous council meetings, she would have known the answer. The Police Cars are being purchased with funding obtained through a low interest loan from the Monmouth County Improvement Authority as authorized by the Council last year. Additionally, they are being purchased at a tremendously reduced price through the auspices of the NJ State Contract for Police Vehicles. In both cases, these United For Change Counilperson put their foot into their mouths Their personal agenda is quite transparent. Stephen E. Cosgriff Sr. BUDGET REQUIRES THAT HARD QUESTIONS BE ASKED I think what Mr. Cosgriff fails to realize, in his letter to the editor (United For Change Still Fighting The Keansburg Police) , is that I have been asking questions since I was elected to the council. It appears that sometimes people may be intimidated by questions that are asked or they may fear the questions. Perhaps that is part of the problem here that they are afraid of my questions. Well guess what I have been a long time believer in the old saying that the only bad question is one that was not asked. We learn by asking questions. PERSONNEL COMMITTEE MUST WORK HARD TO REBUILD STAFF IN ATLANTIC HIGHLANDS Once again, I see that Councilman Archibald is trying to make mountains out of mole hills. Actually, I sympathise with him. It must be pretty hard to write a weekly column and keep it interesting. Even harder - it appears - to keep it truthful. The fact is that Mr. Marcinczyk's resume was one of the most experienced we saw, he gave a good interview and he would accept a salary within our range. Yes - it was the top of the range, but Mr. Frotton has been our Zoning Officer for so long, my guess is that the range has not been adjusted in years. To get qualified people for any business, you have to deal with the current job market. That Mr. Marcinczyk couldn't accept the position was a surprise, since it is a pretty common practice. Most engineers work for more than one municipality and this Borough shares a construction officer with Middletown. The current openings in Borough Hall are a challenge, but all it really means is that the Mayor and the Personnel Committee - Councilwoman Ladiana, Councilman Fligor and myself - have to work even harder to rebuild the staff. But be sure that it will be twenty times more work than Councilman Archibald has put out for the Borough in the past couple of years. Sincerely, Carl J Nolan Councilman GENEVIEVE HAWLEY FOUNDATION THANKS SUPPORTERS AND VOLUNTEERS On behalf of the offiers, directors, trustees and the ever growing list of volunteers of the Genevieve M. Hawley Memorial Foundation, I would like to this opportunity to thank all of those who made the thid annual Genevieve M. Hawley Boys Holiday Basketball Tournament the resounding success that it was! Foremost, I would like to thank Tournament Director Ed Rieman and his family for all of their hard work during the past year in organizing and planning this year's tournament. Without their dedication to this endeavor, there would be no annual tournament. Special thanks to Atlantic Highlands First Aid Squad member and EMT Toni Shann who volunteered her time during the three day event as the tournament safety director. Also, thanks to the members of the Henry Hudson Regional Booster Club, Jean and Charlie Maxson, Joyce Rast Costine, Barbara Foley, Myra Wecker, Kendra Boyd, Boxwood Gardens, Representative Frank Pallone, Jr,, Assemblyman Michael Panter, Assemblyman Joeph Azzolina, Len Edwards of Atlantic Cinema, Foodtown, Atlantic Bagel Company, Dr.Brian Zychowski, Vinnie Whitehead and family, Highlands Mayor Richard O'Neil, Atlantic Highlands Councilwoman Kim Spatola, Councilman Lou Fligor, Councilman Charlie Niles, Mary Wall, the extended Hartsgrove family of Highlands, AH Herald photographer Jacquie Dean and to the staff of Coastal Building Management. We offer our very special thanks to the players and coches from Henry Hudson Regional, Middletowns High School North, Middletown High School South, Monmouth Regional High School, Red Bank Catholic High, Red Bank Regional High School, Rumson-Fair Haven Regional High School and Wall Township High School.. Monmouth Regional, under the direction of Coach Larry Ciro, were the winners of the 2004 tournament. Close to $4,000 was raised during the three day event and all proceeds from the tournament will go to support the scholarship programs of the foundation. Joseph Hawley, NEW OUTREACH PROGRAM IN HIGHLANDS TO ENRICH LIFE SKILLS New Life Community Development Corporation is in the process of beginning a new outreach called "Enrichment Life Skills". This is a faith-based initiative developed in cooperation with Monmouth County Probation Department, which is an arm of the Superior Court of New Jersey. Each day our offices will handle at least seven (7) to ten (10) referrals from not only the Monmouth County Probation offices, but also churches, and other agencies, as well as, other numerous individuals which will either be referred, or walk-in from the community at large. Enrichment Life Skills will help enrich individuals which are in need of emergency assistance, emergency food, emergency housing services (both transitional and permanent), along with clothing and household items. In addition, ELS will provide individuals with alternatives to addiction, anger, violence, unemployment, and evaluate the need for mental/physical health and educational professionals. The majority of our client base will be comprised of a broad range of individuals who's offenses range from minor charges, such as check fraud to drug and theft related crimes and everything in between. In addition, we have experienced a great need for our services because of the desperate calls and walk-ins we see each day who have never committed any offense, yet have been seriously disenfranchised and are in desperate need of assistance. Each case is an emergency! The individuals we see on a daily bases are either homeless, hungry, sick or in need of detoxification. Many that are presented with mental and/or physical needs will be referred to other organizations with which we have collaborated. All of the cases, with the exception of those needing medical assistance will be evaluated and assisted by our trained staff in our facility. Counseling will be offered for encouragement when requested or clinically observed. New Life's Enrichment Skills Program has caught the attention of the local government, houses of worship and the community at large as a new and exciting venue which can enrich the lives of the needy, which would otherwise be left without hope because of continued government cuts in services and welfare programs. ELS would like to lead the way as a role model for houses of worship which are considering beginning community development corporations which touch the needy with practical helps, as well as, moral standards. Funding is currently needed for the continuation of the aforementioned services. Our current expenses include rent, utilities, furnishings, equipment, supplies, education, insurance, and materials needed for the provision of our services. On going expenses will be met in the future through donations, church support, grants, foundations, and individual contributions. This program will be administered and directed by, Reverend Martin D. McGrail, Jr., a licensed and ordained Christian minister since 1996. Reverend McGrail has administered similar successful programs for the Federal Housing Authority of Long Branch, New Jersey, as well as, various correctional institutions and agencies throughout the State. The projected outcome of our success will be measured by meeting the needs of those who seek our assistance and are enriched with the necessary life skills to maintain a productive life. Measurement of the programs success will be documented by personal intake records and follow-up notes charted for each individual. The success of this program depends upon the continued contributions of our supporters. Please consider lending a hand where you, your agency, corporation, practice or program is able. Pastor Marty McGrail http://www.newlifeworldoutreach.com 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 *******************************************************
The Herald reaches 50,000 LOCAL readers each week.
EVENTS: - click here __________________________________________________ CLUBS AND ORGANIZATIONS For a complete listing of area clubs, and organizations click here: P L E A S E T E L L T H E M Y O U S A W I T I N T H E A H H E R A L D The Atlantic Highlands Herald Community Websites The editor wishes to acknowledge and correct mistakes made in this electronic newspaper and on the AHHerald web pages. If you find an error, please send email to: editor@ahherald.com If you would like to receive a free subscription to the Atlantic Highlands Herald each week via email, complete the subscription
request form found at: ../subscribe.htm To be removed from the email list, simply reply with Remove in the subject line. Copyright 2004, Allan Dean, All Rights Reserved.
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 |
|||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| ||||||
