 |
ATLANTIC HIGHLANDS HERALD |
 |
||
|
||||
T E L L T H E M Y O U S A W I T I N T H E H E R A L D by ALLAN DEAN KEANSBURG, NJ – "Your mom has been in an accident. She is alright, but she is at the hospital. Come with me," says the nice man with a calm voice. And in a flash your child can be in a car and whisked away by a pedophile. Or, sometimes, more often, it is a relationship built over time and worlds are shattered when a family member or friend abuses a child. Monmouth County has 705 convicted and registered sex offenders living within it's 53 communities. Following decades of high profile sexual assaults and the murders of children throughout the nation, the tiny Borough of Keansburg is about to become the first town in New Jersey to enact a law to establish a 1000 foot pedophile-free zone around schools, playgrounds, parks, nursery schools and daycare centers. Keansburg Borough Manager Terence M. Wall said, "A pedophile locks into a routine he knows. And he knows your child's routine better than you do." Wall said, "part of my job is to protect the children. He said with a recidivism rate of 92%, "we are not about to let them next to a child." Wall said he observed children on the street as he drove around the borough and he thought about the drug-free zone map in his office and the idea started to germinate. He suggested that the council take up an ordinance that would prohibit convicted pedophiles from living within 1000 feet of schools, parks, and playgrounds in the borough. That would include, virtually, the entire area of the one-square mile borough. The Mayor and Borough Council voted unanimously at the regular Borough meeting on April 27 to draft local legislation creating a pedophile free school, park and playground zone in the Borough. This legislation will prohibit convicted pedophiles from living within 1000 feet of the safety zone. Borough Attorney Michael Hanus will draft the new local law after researching it. Councilman Patrick Pecora said, "Megan’s Law, while good, is not strong enough and it is time to take the next steps to protect our children. The simple, unfortunate truth that we see all too often on and in the news is that it is simply not safe for children to be outdoors anymore." The idea was shared with Assemblymen Joseph Azzolina, Sr. (R-13th district) who plans to introduce a "three-law package" of bills today in the General Assembly specifically designed to protect children 12 years old and younger from pedophiles. The act will be the "Protect Our Children Laws". The first bill will mandate that no convicted pedophile can live within 1,000 feet of a school, preschool, nursery school, playground or park. The second bill will require an “awareness” program be put in place for children and parents. The third bill would mandate that child predators be forced to wear an ankle device to monitor authorities of a predator’s whereabouts at all times, utilizing global positioning technology tracking all high-risk sex offenders for life. “Children are society’s most vulnerable population,” Azzolina said. “The time for this new law is now, and I plan to see this law through to passage with the help of my Democrat counterparts in Trenton. Where it involves children, there are no Republicans or Democrats, just people helping children.” The “awareness” pamphlet would be developed in consultation with the New Jersey School Boards Association, the New Jersey Coalition Against Sexual Assault, the New Jersey Education Association, and the Division of Women. The bill specifies that the pamphlet be distributed to all elementary and secondary schools throughout the State, which would then distribute them to students. The pamphlet will be designed by the Attorney General’s Office. The AG’s Office would appropriate from its General Fund $95,000 to achieve the purposes of the “Protect Our Children Laws.” Azzolina feels confident that a prominent Democrat will be a prime co-sponsor of the bill and help move his legislation through committee and to the floor for a vote. Mayor George Hoff said there are some organizations, like the American Civil Liberties Union, who may object to the new laws. "This is a step in the right direction in the protection of our children," said the Mayor. In light of the events that have happened in the last week in Florida and other states where sex offenders have been involved in committing crimes, Keansburg is stepping up and taking that initiative, the protection of our children, to a higher degree. If that means having to fight the fight against the ACLU or any other organization that thinks this is bad legislation, we're willing to fight that fight." "I think it's great. Anytime you can better ensure our children's safety it is good legislation," said John A. Bossany, Marlboro, a volunteer with National Center for Missing and Exploited Children. "We have too many bill named after too many dead children," said Mr. Bossany. There are 45 register sexual offenders living in Keansburg, according to Wall - 21 of them pedophiles. The State Police Sex Offender Registry website shows 243 registered offenders living in Monmouth County. The actual number is 770, according to Borough Manger Terence Wall. He said there is a break down at the Monmouth County Prosecutors Office and information is not getting to the State Police to be included in the online registry. Sex Offenders are required to register with the local police, who in turn report the individual to the prosecutors office, who reports the information to the State Police, according to State Police spokesman Capt. Al Della Fave. The registry is updated daily with information from prosecutors' offices throughout the state. "The info is as current as the info fed to us by the 21 County Prosecutors," said Della Fave. Wall says that for some reason the information is not getting from the Monmouth County Prosecutors office to the State Police. Laurie Gerhardt, Dep. Director of the Sex Crimes/ Child Abuse Unit of the Monmouth County Prosecutor's Office is the person assigned to the County's Megan's Law Task Force. Ms. Gerhardt said the State Attorney General estimates that there are 705 registered sex offenders in Monmouth County. Of those, 238 are designated Tier I offender. There are 283 Tier II and 14 Tier III offenders in the county, according to the March 2005 monthly report. Ms. Gerhardt said the statistics can be misleading in that they relect all those offenders who have registered but does not take into account some offenders that may have moved out of state or are incarcerated. Registrants stay in the system until they have an exit fingerprint checked against the list. And many Tier II offenders are not on the online list based on any of 3 exemptions. Those offenders who commit incest, defined as related by blood or affinity to the third degree, including aunts and uncles, would be exempted. Also exempted would be consent cases, commonly referred to as statutory rape. The question there becomes "how young is too young," said Gerhardt. The third case for exemption would be juvenile cases where the offender is younger than 17 and/or adjudicated as a juvenile. Tier I designees are never listed on the internet. There are 13 categories used to scale offenders, including age of victim and degree of force used. Each category provides a score, with more points given if the victim is under 13 years old. The total score helps classify the offender. "We operate on risk," said Gerhardt. Gerhardt said there are no laws specifically targeting pedophiles and the registry does not list the offenders as pedophiles. "We don't distinguish between sex crimes." Ms. Gerhardt said she has developed a 7-page FAQ on Megan's Law issues which she uses when talking to Parent Teacher Organizations and other groups. She said she is always available to talk with any community group about the law.
by ALLAN DEAN LEONARDO, NJ – The Monmouth County Planning Board will be hosting representives from municipal, county and state government tomorrow for the first meeting of the Bayshore Regional Collaborative. The collaborative will meet regularly to guide the preparation of the Bayshore Regional Stratgic Development and Redevelopment Plan. The Plan will serve two purposes: 1. To establish a stratigic plan to help Bayshore Municipalities manage their remaining development potential, explore redevelopment opportunities and addres the impacts of future growth will have on the infrastructure, the natural environment and the over-all quality of life; and 2. To formulate a plan that builds on previous Bayshore studies and efforts into a format suitable for regional Plan Endorsement. The ultimate objective is to achieve Plan Endorsement from the New Jersey State Planning Commission that will result in additional funding and technical assistance from state agencies. The Bayshore Regional Stategic Development and Redevelopment Plan will not only create a vision for the Bayshore Region, but will establish a vision for each municipality within the study area, according to a letter sent to Collaborative members. The intent of the plan will be to propose policy framework to help achieve these visions. The Monmouth County Planning Board has retained the services of AKRF, in association with the Regional Planning Partnership, Inc. to assist in the preparation of the Plan. The study is fully funded through a New Jersey Smart Growth Planning Grant.
ATLANTIC HIGHLANDS , NJ – The situation was simulated, but the were reactions real when the Atlantic Highlands First Aid Squad and other area emergency services organizations responded to an ‘accident’ at Henry Hudson Regional High School last week.
The response by members of area police, first aid and fire departments was part of an annual “Rude Awakening” presentation designed to teach students about the dangers of driving drunk. “Just seeing the students focus on the simulation you could really tell it got their attention,” said AHFAS Second Lieutenant Jerry Pandolfo.
During the demonstration, members of the Atlantic Highlands First Aid Squad responded in two ambulances to an accident scene in the school’s parking lot. The ‘victims’ included four party-going teenagers, a mother and her infant. One bloodied ‘victim’ was pronounced dead at the scene. She was covered with a sheet and place before the junior and senior students watching alongside the wreck. “One can only hope that when they’re given the choice of drinking and driving that this presentation would come to mind and help them make the right decision,” Pandolfo said. After being extricated from their damaged vehicles by the Atlantic Highlands and Highlands Fire Departments, the Atlantic Highlands First Aid and Highlands First Aid squads performed emergency medical services.
One ‘critical’ patient was transported to a New Jersey State Police medical helicopter, which touched down on the Henry Hudson field hockey field. Before seeing the accident response demonstrations, students heard first-hand presentations from parents who lost children in drunk-driving incidents, and they drove golf carts using special goggles to simulate driving while impaired. “I don’t think there is an adult out there who hasn’t lost a friend or an acquaintance to drinking and driving,” Pandolfo said. “If we can educate our youth on the perils of DUI something that wasn’t prevalent when we were their age then maybe we can make a difference.”
The gripping and moving “Rude Awakening” presentation is cooperative effort involving the Middletown, Atlantic Highlands and Highlands Police Departments along with the Atlantic Highlands and Highlands first aid and fire departments. “How’s the adage go an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure,” Pandolfo said, “well in this situation an hour’s demonstration is worth a lifetime, literally.” The Atlantic Highlands First Aid Squad is an all-volunteer, emergency medical services organization that operates on donations from area residents and businesses. The organization is on track to answering 600 calls in 2005. For information on becoming a member or supporting the organization, call (732) 291-8118
ATLANTIC HIGHLANDS , NJ – The Atlantic Highlands Historical Society will present "Movies, Theatres and Local Life in 1921" on May 18th. Great public interest greeted the opening of new motion picture theaters in both Atlantic Highlands and the Highlands in May 1921. In this program, we will revisit these theaters, watch a short 1921 movie, and look at other local happenings that year. Guest speaker will be John King who has studied early movie history, and organized the Silent Film Festival for the Historical Society this past November. The program will be held on Wednesday, May 18th at 7:30 p.m. at the Adolph Strauss Mansion, located at 27 Prospect Circle in Atlantic Highlands. Refreshments will be available. For additional information and directions, visit our website http://www.atlantichighlandshistory.org or call the Society at 732-291-9917. If you've not had the chance before to visit the Strauss Mansion and Museum (and even if you have), here is another great opportunity. The museum is the home of the Atlantic Highlands Historical Society and is the only Queen Anne Style building open to the public in Monmouth County. It is also open every Sunday, 1-4 p.m. To learn more about this 1893 21-room "summer cottage," visit our website:
ATLANTIC HIGHLANDS , NJ – Assemblyman Sean T. Kean (R-11) will host a town meeting in Atlantic Highlands on Tuesday, May 10 at 7:00 p.m. at the Atlantic Highlands Borough Hall located at 100 First Avenue. The Highlands meeting will be held on the following night, Wednesday, May 11 at 7:00 p.m. at the Highlands Elementary School Gymnasium located at 360 Navesink Avenue. Assemblyman Kean will speak about important issues being addressed in Trenton, such as the state budget and property taxes. Members of the public are encouraged to attend.
FREEHOLD, NJ –Monmouth County Sheriff Joseph W. Oxley and Monmouth County Superintendent of Schools Eugenia E. Lawson will unveil to county school administrators a collaborative program on Internet child safety at Red Bank Middle School, 101 Harding Road, Red Bank, on May 5th at 9:30 AM. “Safe Surfing,” a video based program is designed to teach children about the dangers of the Internet and how to use the Internet safely. Dr. John Krewer, Red Bank Superintendent of Schools will host the event. The program discusses the dangers of chat rooms and teaches children how to respond to inappropriate “pop-ups,” “free” offers that sound too good to be true, requests for personal information from possible predators, E-mails and other Internet dangers. “I am pleased to be partnering with Superintendent Eugenia E. Lawson in bringing this Internet child safety program to the schools throughout Monmouth County,” said Sheriff Oxley. “This partnership of the Sheriff’s Office and County Superintendent of Schools Office helps to ensure that Monmouth County remains a safe and secure place to live, work, attend school, and raise a family.” For additional information, contact Undersheriff Janna Montague at 732-577-5743 or Catherine Hamara, County Superintendent of Schools Office, at 732-431-7820. PRESS RELEASE RED BANK , NJ –The George Sheehan Classic 5 Mile Run is set for 8:30 a.m. Saturday, June 18, 2005. More than 3,000 runners from around the world are expected to participate in what has become one of the Jersey Shore’s most popular road race. In addition, thousands more participate in the pre- and post-race events held on June 17 and 18. Race organizers moved the race last year from its traditional date in mid-August and the response from the runners was overwhelming in favor of the move. “The George Sheehan Classic is an extremely popular race for both elite and local runners, but New Jersey’s hot, humid August weather had been a problem,” said race director Philip Hinck. “… and hosting the event on Father’s Day Weekend provides a chance for the entire family to enjoy the early summer weather.”
The George Sheehan Classic began in 1981 as the Asbury Park 10K Classic and quickly became one of the major road running events on the national calendar. The race moved to Red Bank in 1994 and was renamed to honor the memory of Dr. George Sheehan, the prominent author, philosopher and area physician. “The Doc” has been called the “father of the running boom” in the United States. Schedule of Events: Friday, June 17 2 –9 p.m. Runner’s Expo Marine Park Friday, June 17 5:30 p.m. Pasta Dinner Marine Park Friday, June 17 7:30 p.m. NJNG Women’s Running Forum Marine Park Get training advice from some of the Jersey Shore’s most renowned women runners. Free admission. Saturday, June 18 7 a.m. – 2 p.m. Runner’s Expo Marine Park Saturday, June 18 8:30 a.m. start Sheehan Classic Broad Street A five-mile road race that attracts the sports top competitors. Registration forms are available online at www.sheehanclassic.org or call 732.988-7725. The top five finishers, male and female will take home cash prizes. This year, the prize for the top male and female finisher is $500. The top New Jersey male and female winners will earn $100. A total of $6,000 in prize money will be distributed to Top Five overall finishers, top New Jersey finishers and age-category winners. The list of previous winners reads like a Who’s Who of road racing: Americans Bill Rodgers and Keith Brantley, Norway’s Grete Waitz, Australian Lisa Ondeiki, Zimbabwe’s Phillimon Hanneck, Kenya’s Veronica Kanga and Russian Olga Markova. The George Sheehan Classic is part of the Jersey Shore Golden Grand Prix. It was named one of the Top 100 Road Races by Runner’s World magazine, and the Best Memorial Race in New Jersey by the New York Times. Wells Fargo Home Mortgage and Riverview Medical Center, Red Bank sponsor the Sheehan Classic. Other sponsors include: Wachovia Bank, Wachovia Securities, New Jersey Natural Gas Company and Straub Motors/Mercury. For information and registration, call 732.988.7725 or check the website, www.sheehanclassic.org
FREEHOLD, NJ – The Monmouth County Young Democrats will host their "Seis de Mayo" happy hour at 7 p.m. on Friday, May 6 at Escondido's Restaurant on Route 537 in Freehold. All are welcome to attend. "Cinco de Mayo is a chance to honor the tenets of freedom and liberty practiced outside of the US, as Mexico celebrates its Independence Day," said Dan Reilly, president of the Monmouth County Young Democrats. "Unfortunately, however, Cinco de Mayo is on a school night this year, so we'll do the next best thing, and celebrate the day after. Hopefully that will allow us to do our part to spread international goodwill to our neighbors in the South, and encourage young Democrats to get involved here at home." The Monmouth County Young Democrats will be accepting donations at the event, with the proceeds going to expanding the organization's outreach capabilities to the community. Checks will be accepted and should be made out to "Monmouth County Young Democrats." Donations are completely voluntary, and are not mandatory for attendance. "More important than raising funds at this point is raising awareness," said Reilly, 24, of Belmar. "We're looking to get progressive young people involved in the democratic process, and to kick-start a discussion about Democratic ideals in Monmouth County. With events like these, we can also have a good time in the process." The Young Democrats will hold their next monthly meeting on May 12. The location will be announced shortly.
RED BANK, NJ – Assemblymen Michael J. Panter and Robert L. Morgan M.D. (both D-Monmouth/Mercer), announced their plans today to introduce two bills that would protect taxpayers from the costs of corruption associated with development projects that involved illegal activity. The goal of their efforts will be accomplished with two pieces of legislation Panter and Morgan will introduce later this month. Their first bill would require developers and public officials who have been convicted of crimes relating to the approval process for any development project to provide restitution to the communities where the projects are located. Upon the conviction of any elected or appointed government official or employee, the Panter and Morgan measure would require the municipality where the project in question is located to conduct a thorough review of all expenses incurred as a result of the project, including but not limited to all costs of professionals and any capital improvements performed relating to the project. After a review by the appropriate state agency, the convicted developer and official would be held jointly and severally liable for those expenses. The measure will also include a provision requiring the reimbursement of any legal fees paid by a municipality on behalf of any government official, should that official be convicted of illegal activity. Panter and Morgan have also asked the NJ Office of Legislative Services, who is currently preparing a draft their bills for introduction, to investigate enforcement measures to ensure that payments required under the bills are collectable. The second bill would require a developer found guilty of engaging in illegal behavior resulting in the approval of a project to pay an amount into the local (or county) open space fund to purchase a piece of open land with acreage equal to that of the approved development. “What has happened to Marlboro Township as a result of the alleged illegal activities of the former mayor and a local developer is disheartening,” said Panter. “The residents of the township will be overburdened with infrastructure challenges for years to come. The taxpayers of Marlboro should not be responsible to pay for that, and neither should the taxpayers of the state. The responsibility should rest squarely on the shoulders of the former mayor and the developer.” “These two bills will take us closer to rooting out the corruption that is obviously running rampant in the State of New Jersey, and in particular here in Monmouth County,” said Morgan. “It’s our hope that weighing the consequences of these illegal actions will discourage potential offenders from using their positions of political power for their own personal gain. Without the potential for profit, some of these individuals might stay out of the political process entirely.” “People who are convicted of taking advantage of the taxpayers for their own gain must be held accountable for the costs to our communities,” said Panter. “Here in Monmouth County, we have seen the damage that greedy developers and public officials can do,” said Panter. “I would hope that these measures will be in effect well in advance of any convictions here in Monmouth County, so that anyone found guilty will not only be punished for their crimes, but the taxpayers will not have to bear the brunt of their crimes.” Panter and Morgan also reiterated their longstanding policy, in effect since their first primary election in 2003, that their campaign will not accept any contributions from developers. “To our knowledge, we are the only county or state officials in Monmouth County, and perhaps New Jersey, who can make this claim” said Panter. “When we look at the top issues facing our constituents – property taxes, traffic congestion, corruption and others – all of them have some relation to development. By refusing to accept contributions from developers, we avoid any potential conflicts of interest as we continue to address these issues.
DEMOCRATS FUNNELED 93 PERCENT OF DCA FUNDS TO THEIR OWN DISTRICTS; REPUBLICANS NEED NOT APPLY TRENTON, NJ — Assembly Republican Policy Committee Chairman Steve Corodemus today called for a review of the procedures used by the state Department of Community Affairs (DCA) in distributing state grants to municipalities after an examination by Republican staff of those grants indicated that towns in many Republican legislative districts were denied grant money. “While it is not unprecedented for the political party in power to look favorably upon towns in its own districts, there needs to be some leveling of the playing field,” said Corodemus, R-Monmouth. “These grants are supposed to be distributed based on actual needs and quality of the grant requests – not based solely on political considerations.” A review of the $9 million in “livable communities” grants distributed by the DCA indicated that only $600,000 – less than 7 percent of the total – went to municipalities in Republican legislative districts and that some districts represented by Republicans got no grant money. These grants are used to support municipal needs, capital projects, and community programs benefiting seniors, children, and families living in these towns. “These grants can have a real positive impact on the quality of life for citizens in these towns,” Corodemus said. “These citizens are getting short-changed just because their town doesn’t have the right political connections. That is shameful.” Not a single municipality in the two Monmouth County districts represented by Republicans (District 11 and 13) received any grants. The only Monmouth County district represented by Democrats (District 12) received $284,500 in grant assistance. The DCA is supposed to follow a grant approval process that steers the grants toward worthwhile projects. It appears that $1.2 million of the grant money – 14 percent – went to towns where the Democrat lawmaker representing that legislative district is also the mayor of the town. “I find it hard to believe that less than 7 percent of the ‘worthwhile’ projects were in Republican legislative districts, while 14 percent were in towns run by a Democrat legislator,” Corodemus said. “It couldn’t be more clear that political considerations have consumed this process.” Corodemus noted that many towns put a great deal of time and effort into preparing these grant proposals. “These towns spend time and money making a good faith effort to win approval for their grant requests,” Corodemus said. “These proposals deserve a fair review and it is criminal that these requests are ignored for political considerations.” Corodemus said that a bipartisan task force should be appointed to review the grant process and to determine if the process is in fact being manipulated for political purposes – and if so – how to prevent that from happening in the future.
RED BANK, NJ – Assemblyman Robert L. Morgan M.D. (D-Monmouth/Mercer) introduced a bill (A-4028) yesterday afternoon that would expand the requirement for insurance coverage for prostate cancer screening. Assembly bill 4028 would require that the State Health Benefits Commission provide benefits for an annual medically recognized diagnostic examination for prostate cancer including a digital rectal examination and a prostate-specific antigen (PSA) test for men age 50 and over who are asymptomatic and for men age 40 and over with a family history of prostate cancer or other prostate cancer risk factors. “Besides skin cancer, prostate cancer is the most commonly diagnosed cancer in the United States,” said Morgan. “It’s very important that men have access to screening so it can be detected as early as possible.” Assemblyman Herb Conaway Jr. (D-Burlington/Camden) has joined Morgan as a co-prime sponsor on the bill. Currently, commercial health insurers which cover groups of 50 participants or more, as well as health maintenance organizations, are required to provide these screening benefits. A-4028 will make the requirement for prostate cancer screening equivalent to the required coverage for mammography. One in six American men will develop prostate cancer over the course of his lifetime. “Prostate screening should be as much a part of regular care as breast exams and mammography are for women,” said Morgan. “This legislation will allow more men to know their status so they can take the necessary steps to stay healthy.”
Colts Neck Resident Carl J. Cosenzo Tapped by New York City College of Technology/CUNY to Deliver Commencement Address and Receive President's Award
Carl J. Cosenzo has 38 years of experience in the heavy construction industry, with the last 17 of them as an executive at Schiavone Construction Company. During his tenure there, the company has been awarded contracts in excess of $2 billion for highway, bridge and tunnel construction, foundations, sewerage treatment plants, subway construction and deep foundation installations.
TRENTON, NJ – New Jersey's Living Memorial - A Grove of Remembrance was selected from 900 kid's gardening programs to receive a 2005 Youth Garden Grant from the National Gardening Association (NGA), based in South Burlington, Vermont. The New Jersey Tree Foundation will receive an assortment of educational materials from the National Gardening Association and a $500.00 gift card from Home Depot, which recognize that today's youth are the future of American gardening. "The National Gardening Association is proud to support this terrific kids' garden," says Cynthia Klemmer, Director of Education and Development. "NGA chose this program because of its demonstrated commitment to active and creative encouragement of youth in the gardening process and to improvement of their community. In addition, we were able to see from their application that the garden program will be sustained for years to come." "This Youth Garden Grant Award will enable the New Jersey Tree Foundation to continue to educate and support local youth in the importance of community gardening and urban forestry," said Lisa Simms, Director, NJ Tree Foundation. In spring 2003, the NJ Tree Foundation planted 691 mature trees, one tree for each New Jersey victim of 9/11, at Liberty State Park in Jersey City. The NJ Living Memorial - A Grove of Remembrance is a tribute to the New Jersey residents who lost their lives September 11, 2001. This Grove of Remembrance is being maintained entirely by volunteers. In October 2004, Jersey City elementary students helped the NJ Tree Foundation plant over 1,300 donated shrubs and perennials in the Grove of Remembrance. This stewardship program, called "A Place to Call Our Own", introduced students and teachers to Liberty State Park and the Grove of Remembrance with a day of educational, recreational, and community service activities. Recently, the Tree Foundation expanded its community-based stewardship of the Grove of Remembrance. GrowLabs for the Grove involves Jersey City teachers and students in a service learning project linked to their science curriculum. Fourteen schools have received GrowLabs, light gardens for propagating plants in the classroom. While studying plant science, students are also growing flowers for the Grove of Remembrance. On Earth Day 2005, students from these fourteen Jersey City schools planted their classroom grown flowers in planting beds throughout the Grove. These students have become active stewards of this Living Memorial located within their own community. The New Jersey Tree Foundation is a statewide, non-profit organization dedicated to the promotion, enhancement and development of urban and community forestry activities in New Jersey through education, volunteerism, community outreach, partnerships, and grants. The Tree Foundation is committed to providing exceptional forestry programs, services and opportunities to New Jersey's cities and towns.
For further information about the Grove of Remembrance please contact Lisa Simms at the NJ Tree Foundation at 609-984-3856, e-mail at njtf1@juno.com or visit www.newjerseytreefoundation.org.
WILL CONTINUE TO PLAGUE NEW JERSEY FAMILIES
TRENTON, NJ - Assemblyman Sean Kean today criticized the state’s long standing Transfer Inheritance Tax or “Death Tax,” and demanded that Democrats take a second look at its impact on families and small businesses across New Jersey. Unlike the Federal Government and many States, New Jersey has an inheritance tax. This means that when a New Jersey resident dies, his or her assets are taxed upon the transfer to the heirs. “This tax places such a burden on financial and real estate inheritances that it forces many small, family run businesses to close their doors,” explained Kean, R-Monmouth. “Currently the exclusion limit for this tax is $675,000 while the federal limit will increase to $3.5 million by 2009.” “The Democrats have not released their plans for this tax in the new budget, but it looks like there are some planned changes which will generate and additional $25 million,” Kean stated. “This is another example of the Democrats tax and spend economics which saddles the taxpayer with the bill.” Kean went on to say that almost three years ago the Democrats voted to end the state’s link with the Federal Inheritance Tax. Had this not been done New Jersey would have the same threshold as the Federal Government, and the tax would have gradually have been phased-out. “Democrats should have followed President Bush’s lead, but this wouldn’t have allowed them to maintain their spending spree,” Kean said. “So they went ahead and passed legislation to protect this source of revenue, preserving this unfair tax on New Jersey residents.” “I hope before this budget season ends the Democrats will reconsider the consequences of the Death Tax and hopefully decide to put it were it belongs – six feet under,” Kean concluded.
WEST LONG BRANCH, NJ - Christina Eliopoulos, Asbury Park filmmaker, will serve as the Artist in Residence for the 2005 Two River Film Festival. As an Artist in Residence for the 2005 Two River Film Festival, Christina will speak to students about her work. She will also invite students to work with her on her project --GREETINGS FROM ASBURY, a feature documentary film.
Currently writing and directing a documentary feature, Eliopoulos believes, “When creating a film start with what you know.” She did just that with GREETINGS FROM ASBURY PARK. For over 85 years her family has been a part of Asbury Park. “My great Uncle emigrated to Asbury Park in 1917 and set-up a little stand on the boardwalk. My family never left,” she said. “I am very much looking forward to working with young filmmakers and young artists. Hopefully, I can help them avoid some of the pitfalls and mistakes I have made as a filmmaker and director,” Eliopoulos added. “We are very excited to have Christina serve as the 2005 Two River Film Festival Artist in Residence,” said Rosellen Otrakji, founder and CEO of the Festival. “Her passion and enthusiasm for all aspects of film are not only evident in her work but also in her conversations and actions. I think any student who experiences Christina in the classroom or is privileged to work with her while making her film will gain a life long learning experience,” adds Otrakji. In the fall of 2004 Monmouth University signed a partnership agreement with the Two River Film Festival. “Christina is an outstanding resource for our educational community, offering real life experiences in the art of film making,” said Dr. Don Swanson, chair of the Department of Communication, Monmouth University. Eliopoulos had her first by-line in "Newsday" at age 19. That same year she became a finalist for the Pulitzer Prize//The Gold Medal Public Service Award. Her credits also include co-writer of the CBS special documentary "The Wall Within" and "This is My Line" produced for a non-profit arts group Free Arts for Abused Children. During graduate studies at UCLA Graduate School of Film and Television she was privileged to read scripts for director Ron Howard and model prosthetic limbs for Sam Raimi. Most recently she has been working in the commercial arena for the advertising agency Ogilvy & Mather directing brand films and short subjects for clients like American Express and Yahoo. The Two River Film Festival is dedicated to celebrating and sharing the best of American Independent Cinema with the community by showcasing U.S. and Regional Premiere Films, Independent Films, World Cinema, Short Films, Documentaries, Retrospectives, Animation and Classics. The 2005 Festival will be held November 4-6, 2005. In addition to providing quality film programming, proceeds from the Festival’s events also benefit art and educational programming in Monmouth County. About Two River Film Festival Two River Film Festival is a nonprofit organization dedicated to bringing quality films and film-related programs to Monmouth County residents and students. Its mission is to expand our community’s cultural and educational opportunities by sharing quality independent films during a local film festival, creating new programs for film and education and raising funds to support arts and education programs throughout Monmouth County. Additional events hosted by Two River Film Festival throughout the year will include educational seminars, fundraisers, screenings and retrospectives. 2005 Two River Film Festival is scheduled for November 4,5, and 6th. More information is available at: www.tworiverfilmfestival.com About Monmouth University Located in West Long Branch, New Jersey, Monmouth University is a leading comprehensive, private institution that offers co-educational undergraduate and graduate degrees and 50 distinctive curricular programs. Sprawled across a magnificent, historic campus, the University is approximately 50 miles from Manhattan and Philadelphia and is within walking distance to the beaches of the Atlantic Ocean. Monmouth University combines the state-of-the-art facilities and vibrant environment of a large institution with the individual attention of a small, liberal arts college. Serving the larger community, Monmouth University offers intellectual, cultural, athletic, and social events throughout the year. For more information, visit Monmouth University at www.monmouth.edu.
by Irene Campbell RED BANK , NJ — Students from Henry Hudson Regional School were among seniors from local schools awarded scholarships from the Red Bak Elks Lodge 233 on Sunday May 1. The top 3 scholarship awards were $3000, $2000 and $1000, 2 of which were awarded to Henry Hudson students Eric Burnett, $2000, and Heather Stewart, $1000. The $3000 scholarship was awarded to Alejandro Gac-Artigas. The other participants received $350 each. To apply for the scholarship the students had to fill out a lengthy application and write an essay on their conversation with a secular person from history. William Barnes , scholarship chairman , stated" there were essays from Hitler to Jesus Christ". Participatiing Students were: Henry Hudson Regional School Red Bank Regional Red Bank Catholic Rumson - Fair Haven
Innovative technology proves to be a cost-savings for taxpayers TINTON FALLS – The Monmouth County Reclamation Center, working with a local recycling company, has developed a productive use for the broken, mixed-colored glass that many recyclers have had difficulty finding markets for.
Manufacturers using broken glass – called cullet – want colored glass to be sorted to produce new bottles and other consumer products. Many of the recyclers must pay up to $35 per ton to have the unusable, mixed-colored cullet carted away, or face considerable expense to sort these small pieces of glass into clear, green, brown and other individual colors. Last year, the county signed a five-year “Marketing of Recyclable Materials Contract” with Garden State Recycling of Edison. Under that agreement, an affiliated company, Global Recycling Solutions, was formed specifically to develop and operate a recyclables receiving and processing facility at an existing but underutilized building at the Reclamation Center. As part of this contract, the Reclamation Center will receive all of the glass cullet separated from the bottles and cans delivered to Global Recycling Solutions. This glass cullet, pulverized into a sand-like product, will be used to replace some of the specialty sands the county must purchase for use with the landfill’s protective liner and drainage system, designed to collect and treat the liquid “leachate” from the deposited trash. “This is a real cost-savings for both Monmouth County and Global Recycling,” explains Chris Murray, superintendent at the Reclamation Center. “Global Recycling is saving the cost of hauling the mixed-color cullet away, while at the same time Monmouth County is not spending $20 per ton to buy and deliver graded sand for the landfill.” Global Recycling Solutions accepts recyclable paper, plastic and glass containers, and metal and aluminum cans for consolidation, processing and shipment to regional markets. Under “Once again, Monmouth County has demonstrated that it continues to be one of the leading innovators in providing economical and environmentally sound methods for handling its solid waste and recyclables,” Freeholder Director Thomas J. Powers said. “I commend Chris Murray for his overall supervision of the landfill, and for introducing these cost-saving approaches to the operation.” In order to remove leachate before it gets into the ground water, the landfill was constructed with a double composite liner. The system includes clay and plastic liners, as well as 12 to 18 inches of graded sand above and below the primary liner. These drainage layers ensure that any leachate is directed into a series of perforated collection pipes, where it is collected and pumped to a storage tank prior to treatment and disposal. The pulverized glass cullet made on site will be used instead of sand as the landfill expands with the construction of new cells. “Using a product that is produced on site for the cell construction and the eventual capping of landfill cells is a beneficial alternative to purchasing sand and stone,” Murray said. “However much glass we can generate will be that much less material we have to purchase from the outside.” Estimates of the total financial benefit to the Reclamation Center is expected to range from about $10,000 a month initially, to in excess of $25,000 a month. In addition, the Reclamation Center has a contract with GSF Energy to use the landfill gases generated by decomposition of the deposited trash in the production of electricity for Jersey Central Power & Light Co. – enough to serve 15,000 homes. The county receives $250,000 a year for the rights to collect and use this landfill gas. The landfill, which opened in October 1976, handles more than 500,000 tons of waste each year, with a recycling rate of about 53 percent. Before mandatory recycling began in 1987, the landfill handled nearly 800,000 tons a year. Today, without recycling, the demand on the landfill would be doubled.
A day of fun activities ATLANTIC HIGHLANDS , NJ – On Saturday, May 14, 2005, Chiropractic offices worldwide will participate in the annual "Kids Day America/International™," a Health, Safety, and Environmental Awareness Day. Dr. Dennis Brown from Shore Hands Family Chiropractic will be sponsoring the event locally in his office from 12:00 noon until/3:00 pm at 61 Memorial Parkway (HWY 36), in Atlantic Highlands-rain or shine Dr. Brown will provide essential information on crime prevention, child safety, and environmental awareness. The office will donate special Child ID cards to every child who attends and the New Jersey State Troopers be on hand to provide FREE fingerprinting of all children, and photos. The Atlantic Highlands Fire Dept. will be giving real fire truck tours, along with what to do if there is a fire in your house. In addition, there will be a special appearance by "McGruff the Crime Dog who will be joined by Elmo, Bob the Builder, and clowns. We will have an air castle for the children, face painting, and a magic show. Dr. Brown will provide FREE spinal exams and scoliosis screenings and distribute vital information on disease prevention and specific health issues that affect children. "We will also provide free balloons and food. There will be special giveaways and prize drawings every half hour, including movie tickets, hair cuts, gift certificates,bicycle helmets and more. We will also gladly accept your generous donations for a local hero, Eugene Stolowski, a NYC Fireman, injured in the line of duty, who is currently making tremendous strides in his rehabilitation. He has a 2 year old daughter, and his wife just gave birth to twins, says Dr. Brown. "My staff and I invite all of our friends and neighbors to join us at this unique, fun-filled community health, safety and environmental awareness day. Call 732-872-8009 for more information, or to give monetary donations. Make checks payable to Kids Day America 05, send to 61 Memorial Parkway, Atlantic Highlands, NJ 07716.
Statewide advocacy group holds annual fundraiser NEW BRUNSWICK, NJ – Education Law Center(ELC) will present the seventh annual “Kids in Concert” student performance on Thursday, May 12, 2005 at the State Theatre in New Brunswick. “Kids in Concert –or “KIC” – celebrates the artistic talents of students attending New Jersey’s urban public schools. KIC offers school-based music and dance groups and soloists and poets the opportunity to perform in a premier arts venue to a statewide audience. The theme for 2005 “Kids in Concert” is ‘Freedom’. An outstanding lineup is slated to perform this year, including: • Cicely Tyson School Dance Company – East Orange Kids in Concert is the annual fundraising event for Education Law Center. Since 1973, ELC has worked tirelessly to ensure equal and adequate education opportunities for public school children in New Jersey, particularly poor and disadvantaged children. ELC’s accomplishments include securing dramatic improvements in urban education, including universal preschool and school construction programs, in the landmark Abbott v. Burke case. This fall urban schools test scores have risen dramatically at levels never seen before. Several urban districts reported gains of more than 20% in Language Arts and Math proficiciency testing. In an article in New Jersey Lawyer, honoring ELC’s Executive Director, David Sciarra, he is quoted as saying “Most satisfying is the enormous progress we’re now making in New Jersey in improving urban education through the Abbott programs and reforms, especially the 43,000 three-and four-year-old youngsters attending quality preschool programs in Newark, Camden and 28 other cities this year.” Jack Spencer, CEO of the SCC will attend a pre-concert reception starting at 5:30 p.m., where ELC will give special recognition to those involved in the sixteen completed school construction projects: • Bradley Primary School – Asbury Park For more information, please visit the Education Law Center website at www.edlawcenter.org. To be placed on the ELC mailing list, or make a donation, contact Danielle Baynes at dbaynes@edlawcenter.org 
SANDY HOOK , NJ — The 16 th Annual Sandy Hook Foundation Golf Outing is scheduled for Monday, May 16 th at the exclusive Bamm Hollow Country Club in Lincroft, NJ. Event Co-Chairs Sasha Morford and Win Boileau are providing leadership for this annual event which raises funds to support the programs and projects of The Sandy Hook Foundation, the Official Friends Group of the National Park Service at Sandy Hook. Unique auction items will be available for bidding. Included are a weekend stay at the exclusive Blue Bay Inn in Atlantic Highlands, fishing charter packages, ferry sunset cruises for four with a picnic dinner provided by Lusty Lobster in Highlands, a Coach handbag, Sephora beauty products, golf clubs, and much more. The Affinity Day Spa in Rumson will have personnel on hand to provide massages to golfers. The annual Golf Outing features challenging contests such as Closest to the Pin, Longest Drive, Putting Contests, and Hole-in-One with spectacular prizes awarded to each winner. There is a 50/50 drawing for three cash winners with first prize of up to $6,500. A shotgun start at 1pm, scramble format and 18 holes played on three nines means no waiting, and play moves quickly and evenly. Also included in the ticket price of $250 per player ($300 after April 19) are a bbq lunch, cocktail reception, silent auction, dinner, and awards ceremony. Cart and Jacket Sponsorship provided by SeaStreak America, Inc. Other supporters of the event include Affinity Day Spa in Rumson, Atlantic Artisans, Crazie’s Ice Cream, the Rumson Market, Rumson Buy Right, Rumson Pharmacy, The Fromagerie, Harbor Lights Collectibles, Le Bon Panier, The Salt Creek Grille, The Sandy Hook Marina, Barnacle Bills, Resources Real Estate, Virtual Dunes Golf, LoJan Art, Woodhaven Florist, Val’s Tavern, and Welsh Farms of Highlands. Sandy Hook Foundation 2005 Golf Opencommittee members include Pat and Bill Alcaro, owners of Rumson Market; John Croddick of Cosmetic Essence; Doug Douty of The Lusty Lobster; Ray Cosgrove of of Bahrs Restaurant and Marina; Bill Dwight of Harry Dwight and Sons; Ed Segal of The Seagull’s Nest, David Stafford of Seastreak America; and Cliff Williams from Bank of America. Other key committee members include Denise Stavola and Bonnie Buchner, and Bill Jenkins. Tom Daly, Bill Shields and Bob Sorokolit, all Sandy Hook Foundation Trustees, also participate on the Golf committee. Call the Foundation office at 732-291-7733 or Laurie Bird Bratone, Sandy Hook Foundation, PR, at 732-758-9169 for more information or to let us know you will attend.
RED BANK , NJ — HABcore, Inc., "Housing the Homeless", is hosting "A Celebration of Hope", on May 21, 2005, from 5:00 pm to 7:00 pm, at The Woman's Club of Red Bank, 164 Broad Street, Red Bank, NJ. The wine and cheese party is to celebrate the initiation of HABcore's new apartment program, to thank all our supporters and to introduce HABcore to new friends. HABcore, Inc. is a not-for-profit corporation serving Monmouth and adjacent counties in New Jersey. HABcore is devoted to providing permanent and transitional supportive housing in a family setting to low-income persons who are homeless, disabled or unable to care for themselves and to afford them lives of dignity and meaning. The event will feature a HABcore information booth to showcase our programs. There will also be a limited 50/50 raffle (only 200 tickets sold) and drawings for other prizes. For more information, call Ellen Davis at 732-544-1975.
ATLANTIC HIGHLANDS , NJ — Letter Carriers of Local 1776 Atlantic Highlands In conjunction with National Letter Carrier Association will hold a food drive Saturday May 14, 2005. Please leave non-perishable items at your house mailbox and a carrier will pick those items up or drop off non-perishable items at the Atlantic Highlands Post Office Lobby. The letter carriers of Atlantic Highlands recently held a poster contest for the food drive. The 6th grade classes from both AHES and St. Agnes schools were involved. The posters are now hanging in town at various stores. The two winners are hanging in the Post Office. The winners are Sara Fisler from AHES and Maree Merhige from St. Agnes School. Both girls will receive $50, and their classes will have a pizza party from the Letter Carriers of Atlantic Highlands.
By Jim Robbins ATLANTIC HIGHLANDS , NJ — Fourteen-year-old Briana Jackucewicz of Farmingdale was the women’s champion for the third year in a row of the 13th annual The Rumson Run (The A.J. Bruder Memorial 5 Mile) on an overcast Sunday morning, May 1, when she crossed the finish line located on the Rumson-Fair Haven Regional High School stadium track at a personal-best racing time for this distance of 29:18 (29 minutes and 18 seconds) which was good for 6th place overall of the 400 finishers. Briana has been on a hiatus from the Shore area road-racing scene for about a year, literally due to growing pains, the formal term of which is Osgood Slatters, informed her father and coach, Roger. Briana’s racing time last year was 29:38 and that was 19 seconds faster than her 2003 time and in both races she finished in 5th place overall. Coming in first place overall from the course that started at Black Point Road, adjacent to the high school on Ridge Avenue, and proceeded in rectangular fashion onto the streets of the two towns and back to RFHRHS stadium, was Neptune’s Rob Defilippis at 25:24. “I’m pleased – I’m very pleased.” said today’s champion who is the head coach of the Red Bank Catholic High School track team, when asked to comment on his racing time. He further added that this might be his best ever for a 5 mile distance but knows it’s very close if it isn’t his best. “It’s good – I’ve run this a few times - it’s a nice area – an open road – it’s got some hills - I often get out here with the kids (his track-team students) so I’m used to it, and it’s fun,” he offered when asked his thoughts on the course.
Fair Haven’s Dickson Mercer finished in second place at 26:08. “I was with him (Defilippis) early on, but he was definitely too strong for me today - I kept him in my sight but knew I couldn’t catch him – we pretty much ran our own races today,” said Mercer in describing his runner-up position. Rounding out the top three overall was Alex Fowlie of Middletown at 28:08. Christy DeFilippis, the champion’s wife, was the second women’s finisher at 30:48, 13th overall, and third woman was Diane Petruzzelli of Lincroft at 31:23, 15th overall. Petruzzelli recently won the women’s division of the 15K Indian Trails run staged in the Leonardo section of Middletown, and earlier than that she became the women’s champion of the 2005 Murray Todd Half Marathon staged at the Brookdale College campus in Lincroft. Walter MacGowan, Spring Lake, president of the Shore Athletic Club, finished at 37:39 and won 2nd place trophy in his 55-59 age group. MacGowan was quick to compliment the towns’ road departments for clearing the streets of a lot of water caused by the rain the night before. “It stopped drizzling right before the start of the race, and the weather was perfect for a 5-mile run,” he offered in commenting on today’s conditions. Ocean Township’s Tim Keane finished at 41:07. “I love this race – it’s challenging, there are a couple of hills – a good crowd, a supportive crowd – and a perfect day, it stopped raining just before the race, we had an overcast sky and cool temperatures,” he said when asked to share his general thoughts on this event. Keane had been the director of the former Thursday Night Summer Races in Asbury Park and with the new boardwalk, at that same racing area between the Casino and Convention Hall, Keane is thinking about the series’ revival - but as he says, “Just thinking about it.” Marilyn Ryder, Long Branch, women’s winner of the 60-64 age group and her good friend Diane Cheer of Manasquan finished together: Ryder at 46:36 was in 291st place and Cheer was 292nd at 46:38. Both are members and very active in all the events of the Jersey Shore Running Club. “It was SCENIC!” they both exclaimed in unison when asked their immediate thoughts on the race. Vietnam veteran Joseph Renzella, Neptune City, won the 60-64 year age group at 35:27. “I always liked this course, there’s a little bit of hills and I always liked that challenge and there’re not too many turns – I also liked the scenery as you go through the different streets,” said the highly decorated veteran with 4 Bronze Stars and a Purple Heart, when asked his thoughts on the course. Two of those Bronze Stars are identified as “V” which means resulting from an act of combat heroism or “VALOR”, thus distinguishing it from meritorious achievement awards. Prior to the 9:30 a.m. start, Tim McLoone, master of ceremonies for this annual event, informed that the Rumson Run is dedicated to Andrew J. Bruder who died of cancer at age 36. Bruder was a graduate of RFHRHS and the first winner of the Rumson Run that began in 1992. McLoone then introduced Alexandria Howley, 8th grade student at Forrestdale School, who gave a fine rendition of the Star-Spangled Banner (holding a high note a smidgen longer than normal as an expression of confidence). McLoone offered words of caution to the racers regarding possible water on the course caused by the overnight rain. Mayor John Ekdahl was introduced who thanked all for participating and wished all to have a good race and as the official starter, he sounded the bullhorn and the racers were off following the lead vehicle driven by Marty Pattwell of Shrewsbury Motors. Awards and trophies were presented to the aforementioned winners and age-group leaders by McLoone, assisted by the mayor, along with other members of the race committee on the infield of the stadium which served as the staging area as the physically-spent racers were enjoying refreshments of bagels, fruit and super-delicious cookies, due to the generosity of Brooklyn Bagel of Rumson, Foodtown of Red Bank and Val’s Tavern in Rumson for pizza donation. The event included a 3K Fun Run/Walk, with 300 participating and Shore area runners/racewalkers will be glad to know that Fair Haven’s Kent Sabin, recuperating from a health problem, was part of that group finishing at 34 :11. The program offered a mission statement from the Board of Trustees: "The Rumson Run is a charitable athletic event for all ages that seeks to enliven community spirit and enrich educational and scholarship programs.” Bill Boyajian of Best Racing Systems did the finish-line activities and was assisted by Suzanne Piersall, a sophomore at RFHRHS along with other members of the school’s track team. Boyajian’s system is a New Jersey based company that provides complete computerized scoring and finish line management for small to large road races. Complete results can be found at: http://www.bestrace.com/results/040502ru5.HTML "It was awesome," said Elaine Eadon, race director, in her immediate comments summarizing the day's events. "Even with the early rain, we had nearly as many runners as we did last year and it was a good day to run - overcast and cool. I want to thank all the volunteers, especially Phil and Penny Hinck and other members of the Jersey Shore Running Club. I want to acknowledge the cooperation of the first aid and the police and a special thanks for the generosity of all the sponsors that made this happen,”she added. To the final question, "Are you looking forward to directing it next year?" Eadon unhesitatingly answered, "Absolutely!" Other leading finishers of the 5-mile challenge: Rumson: Scott Fischer 32:16 (19th place overall - award winner), Maximilian Sparshatt 33:12 (award), Raymond Viggiano 34:17 (award), Rodney Pritchard 34:30, Jim Dengler 35:03, Paul Weber 35:12, Gaye Nicholson 35:29 (award), Charles Rooney 35:50, Henry Rosset 35:52, Joseph Strempek 35:56, John Berry 35:57, Bob Kelleher 36:41, Elise Pritchard 36:45 (award), Chris Parton 36:59, Mazin Kalian 37:02, Scott Thompson 37:08, Wilson Beebe Jr. 37:27, Christina Durney 37:30, Anne Dengler 38:06, Michael Marrus 38:12, Tom Bartel 38:21, Gary Juncosa 38:22, Maria Manley 38:35, Eric Burdge 38:37 (award), Carl Amendola 38:42, Carol Irwin 38:43 (award), Steven Fuschetti 38:44 (award), John Strang 38:52, Jennifer Sapnar 39:15, Arlene Jensen 39:18 (award), Kevin Hill 39:26, Kevin Welsh 39:42, John Brodsky 39:47, Stephen Szakats 39:57, Thomas Omara 39:58, Jefferson Dickson 40:01, Carolyn Hill 40:08, Titus Sparshatt 40:23, Kathleen Fuschetti 40:23, Taylor Twining 40:32, Seth Wheeler 40:35, John Lushefski 40:50, Jack Howley 40:50, Peter Litwin 40:51, Maria Checton 41:09 (award), Patricia Szakats 41:11, Eric Larsen 41:14, Bill Loughran 41:42 (198th place). Fair Haven: Geoff Harrison 28:43 (4th place – award), Andy Sharkey 30:35 (award), Brent Chandler 33:30, Mike Wingertzahn 35:00, Katrin Stuhmeier 35:03 (award), Leslie Blades 35:10 (award), Eric Cohen 35:32 (award), Jim Armstrong 36:21, Tom Fahey 37:31, Mark Molyneaux 37:44, Pam Allen 38:07 (award), Mary Friedman 38:10, Greg Tuorto 38:32, Susan Mazzeo 38:39, Charles Hayes 38:51, Eilenn Nociolo 39:09, Sandra Russo 39:16, Timothy Lake 39:26, Anne Vernon 39:28 (award), Harper Coles 39:33, Kevin Clark 39:34 (award), Jerome Bell 39:37, Dan Browne 40:01, Susan Cunneff 40:46, Dian Kohere 40:47, Arthur Tildesley 41:13, Andrea Edler 41:24, Martin Luff 41:45 (199th place). Red Bank: David Richards 32:08 (18th place), Albert Bodine 32:26 (award), Matthew McCarthy 33:47, Jennifer Gunn 33:57 (award), Robert Yawger 35:28, Patrick Gongora 38:45, Lou Rettino 38:50, Joanne Wilkes 39:45, Karen Carson 40:18, Brian Halcrow 41:18 (191st place). Others: Brian Hill 23:25 (20th place – award), Middletown; Joe Cauvin 32:44, Atl. Highlands; Eugene Caffrey 32:56, Turgy Wright 33:35 (award) and Al Bennett 34:10, all Little Silver; Thomas Delehanty 35:59, Middletown; Bill Burke 36:46 (award), Atl. Highlands; Joseph Coccaro 37:09 and John Stahl 37:18, Middletown; Jon Lemole 37:50 and Sasha Matson 38:10 (award), Atl. Highlands; Ned Kilkelly 39:00, Little Silver; Tom Stahl 39:05, Sea Bright; Anthony Shippee 39:07, Little Silver; Samuel Terrell 39:24, Highlands; Robert Patterson 39:29, Middletown; Timothy Skinner 40:15, Monmouth Beach; Kelli Ann Lennon 40:18 and Steven Rhokin 40:52, Highlands; Carol Defaziowright 41:01 (award), Little Silver; Martin Dugan 41:08, Middletown; Denise Valentino 41:38 and Brian Rogers 41:39 (197th place), Little Silver. Road racers have the Mother’s Day 5K in Point Pleasant Beach at 8:30 a.m. on Saturday, May 7, info call 732-295-1193. Also on May 7 is the River to Bay 5K in Island Heights at 10 a.m., info call 732-914-3936. It’s the Parkinsons 5K on May 8 at the Brookdale campus in Lincroft at 9:00 a.m., info call 866-350-2583. On May 14 is the annual Monmouth Beach 3-mile run at 9 a.m., info call 732-571-2162 or phinck@comcast.net. The Bahr’s Landing 5 mile race is on May 15 at 9 a.m. in Highlands, info call 732-872-1245 or jay@bahrs.com. Coming soon is the Michael Thorne Scholarship 4 Mile Run on May 22 at 9 a.m. in West Long Branch at Franklin Lake, info call 732-222-0725 or sure2tan@aol.com.
ATLANTIC HIGHLANDS , NJ – Atlantic Highlands Garden Club President Jane Doherty with the assistance of Councilmen Louis Filgor helped the borough celebrate Earth Day by planting two large azalea plants in the Memorial Park honoring those who have served in Iraq. The plants were generously donated by Foodtown.
The garden club members showed up in force to help with the planting. A successful plant sale followed the ceremony. Plants and cutting are from the member’s gardens. The garden club holds an annual plant sale on Earth Day at Memorial Park on First Avenue.
Atlantic Highlands Garden Club Celebrated Earth Day with Plantings
THE UGLY HEAD OF SUFFERING Cardinal Joseph Ratzinger, (currently Pope Benedict the XVI) who did the funeral eulogy for Pope John Paul II mentioned that in his suffering the Pope has showed us his desire to do the will of God. In the last will of Pope John Paul II we found out that in 2000 he reflected upon whether he should continue as the Pope in view of the infirmities that he had. A couple of years ago, Billy Graham was asked about his suffering. Billy Graham has the same problem as the pope - he is suffering from Parkinson’s. The reporter asked Billy Graham how he can justify suffering. After all, if there is one person that has made God known to the world, it is Billy Graham. God could have instituted some protective clauses and made sure that at least the Pope and Billy Graham had perfect health. [As Tevia would say in Fiddler on the Roof, “Is this too much to ask, would it confuse some plan - if I were a wealthy (healthy) man!”] Billy Graham started his answer by saying, “Why not me? Why should God make me the exception?” He went on to describe the fallen condition of humanity and how because of the penetration of sin in our humanity, rain falls over the good and the evil, and sickness comes over the good and the evil. In fact the Bible tells us that the whole creation groans waiting for the redemption of the children of God. Moreover, we who are redeemed groan, waiting for the day of the redemption, when sorrow and tears will be no more. Then Apostle Paul adds one new element when he tells us that the Holy Spirit groans in the prayers that He utters on our behalf. The Holy Spirit, who is the Comforter of God’s children prays for us and strengthens us in the time of our greatest need. None of us understands suffering and all of us would like to eliminate it. Yet suffering is a part and parcel of the fallen nature, it is a consequence of our rebellion against the will of God. While I am not a medical doctor who understands the complexities of various sicknesses and how the human body resists and succumbs, in my personal and pastoral reflections I was clinging to one word for many years and that is the word intent. What is the intent that God has for me as a human being, as a husband, as father, as a pastor as a citizen in this community? The reality is that in all of these relationships I have caused pain. I have caused pain to God, to my wife, to my children, to my friends. Sometimes I caused pain by not being attentive; sometimes I caused pain by being selfish, sometimes I caused pain because I enjoyed sin more than righteousness. Apostle Paul tells us that God’s will for us is good and perfect. Again Paul tells his friends that he has made up his mind that he will not cause them pain. There are many things that I do not understand, but I want to be able to do those things that are good. I want to make sure that I do not do things to my body that will cause pain later on. I want to live my life so that others will not say, “He is such a pain!”
TALENTS SHINE THROUGH IN TRI-DISTRICT ART SHOW AND CONCERT With the recent defeat of the AHES budget, the eyes of Atlantic Highlands focus on the schools. A meeting between finance committees of the borough and school has been convened, and residents anxiously await what if any, budget cuts will be recommended. But while that saga plays out, the taxpayer can enjoy the fruits of our community. Those fruits will be in full bloom this Friday evening at Henry Hudson Regional High School. The annual tri-district art show is slated to be held, and aspiring artists can be found throughout the halls. Not only will the drawings and paintings of our youths be on display, but a musical concert is also being offered after the art show. If there is one thing that our schools can agree on, is that Atlantic Highlands and Highlands have some talented up and coming artists. Works from both public and parochial schools will be offered, and this is yet another example of our community coming together to celebrate our children’s accomplishments. Those teachers that encouraged our artists to do their best deserve our thanks and the volunteers that make the show happen deserve kudos as well. The art show is an important event for our children. It teaches them that there are many avenues in life to explore, and that it can be cool to be artistic. School isn’t just about learning facts, it’s about developing hidden gifts and refining talents. This tri-district show has been held for several years now, and if past years are any indication, Friday night’s show will be full of masterpieces and sweet music.
TEACH CHILDREN TO WORK My near neighbor is a young man in his late 30s. We moved into our homes within days of each other. We have enjoyed knowing him and his wife during our sojourn in Virginia. Recently, my wife and I were chatting with him about yard-work. He has little time for it. We have time, but have trouble bending over to pull weeds, etc. Since our neighbor’s son is 13 or 14, we asked if the lad would like to earn a little money weeding our flower beds. A little sheepishly my neighbor said they couldn’t even get him to do yard-work at their place, and that he didn’t need money – the clear implication being that they gave him all he wanted. We were troubled by this report, but said nothing. Later, my wife and I wondered about the boy’s preparation for adulthood. We live in an affluent neighborhood, but none of its children – so far as we know – will live a life of financial independence. All will have to work, as adults, but our neighbor’s son will have no experience with that reality. Both my wife and I grew up in families of very modest means – hers more constrained than mine, but not by much. From young ages we both learned to work hard and earn our own money. I distinctly recall deciding, at age twelve, that I wanted to be a person of means – to have dollars in my pocket and pay my own way. I had no parental teaching on this, but simply decided to make it a life’s goal. (Perhaps it was a genetic inclination.) In my teens I worked hard to earn money for things I considered important. A college education was my first big objective. By college time I had saved enough for my first year in school. This is not remotely possible today, but it was in 1960. My private college cost $1300 a year – a lot of money, but doable. (Today that school costs $25,000 a year!) My buddies thought I was nuts. They attended state teachers college where tuition cost $150 a year. My family could provide no college funds, but I found summer jobs to earn most of my expenses. During the school year I worked on campus. I borrowed the rest of what I needed. At graduation, my school debt was $1000, which I easily repaid in later years. I never thought of my growing-up years as harsh or difficult, but considered them a bracing part of my education. Hard work, proper regard for supervisors, completing tasks, and commitment to quality – all were attitudes I learned during those formative years of shoveling snow, delivering papers, and cutting grass. (There was still plenty of time left to study, play ball and chase girls.) I also learned that not everything was dollars and cents. When I was fifteen my mother found me a grass-cutting job through a reference from our church. It was a small yard of a city row-house. The owners were an old couple who had been paying a boy from the church to cut the lawn, but he was now grown and had moved on. I took the job. The old folks were very fussy about their yard. They required trimming along the sidewalks with manual clippers. (I developed a strong forearm and back because of it.) Between mowing with an old, push-model mower and the hand-trimming, the job took about two hours. The pay was $1. Even in 1958 that was a lot of work for a buck. Probably they had been paying that since the ‘40s. Nevertheless, I did that job for the entire summer because I had agreed to do it and because I felt sorry for the old couple who obviously had very limited means. A summer job after high school taught me about trust. On a crew of new graduates employed by the school district’s maintenance shop, my buddy, Otis, and I became known as trustworthy workers. We would always carry out an assignment without supervision. Consequently, the boss gave us assignments all over town. We drove to them with the shop’s jeep. This did not endear us to the rest of the crew who were still chopping weeds in the hot sun, but Otis and I had a great summer of freedom. I never forgot how good it felt to be trusted. I doubt if he did, either. (Today, Otis is a Ph. Doctor of Chemistry at a mid-west university.) Being a person of (modest) means enabled me to get married while still a college student, have a family, and purchase a home. Friends lent us money for the down-payment, but we paid it back. We did all this when we were young. I was 26 when we bought our second home. Because my formative work experiences were positive, I raised my children in much the same way. We always paid an allowance – a weekly stipend not contingent on “good behavior” or chores – but this was never enough for a growing teen. Each one ambitiously took baby-sitting, lawn-mowing, snow-shoveling, and newspaper delivery jobs – as I had done. They became people of substance, too. Our family established the “Fifty-fifty” plan for capital purchases. The child raised half of the funds for significant acquisitions. We put up the other half. (Of course, all purchases required parental approval beforehand.) Thus, new bicycles, old jalopies and even college educations were procured. For college, the kids raised their half by earnings, loans, and gifts from family members. All graduated from excellent private schools. I believed then – and still believe – that each child should have a real, motivational stake in his own education. The experiences of many families who neglected this important factor showed we were right to include it. Today, our children are all independent, gainfully employed homeowners – married and raising their own families. Much of this success is attributable to my wife’s considerable influence. They also grew up in the church and saw the Life of Faith lived out. But I’m sure that the values of hard work, thrift, responsibility, honesty, and paying your own way were non-trivial factors. Our neighbor’s neglect of the valuable dimension of work in his son’s education is not a new twist. I have seen it before. When our kids were in the scramble to earn their college costs, I met an old friend at a social gathering. Knowing that his daughter was in college, I asked what kind of job she was doing during the summer. His answer surprised me. He said they expected her to have a “high level” career. As they didn’t consider menial jobs a good preparation for this, she was spending her summers interning with companies and agencies in the kind of work she hoped to do when she graduated. This reminded me that the rich are different from you and me – they have more money. (Except that my friend wasn’t rich – and wasn’t likely ever to be, at that rate.) I have always wondered if that young woman started at the level her parents planned and expected, and whether she knew how to work hard, wherever she started working. There is much emphasis, today, on bringing “skills” to the workplace. This is not a bad thing. Skills are valuable. Certainly it is better to have them than not. But skills are only part of what is important for success in work. Skills can be gained, as needed. Sound attitudes toward work are more important and are much harder to acquire in adulthood if you missed them in childhood. In 1943 a young man interviewed for a new job in the repair department at a Pennsylvania car dealership. He was a new father, but he and his family were going broke because the large manufacturing company he worked for was being struck by its work-force every few months. His pay was good, when he was working, but he wasn’t working enough. He brought no particular skills to car repair except mechanical adeptness, good hands, and knowing how to work hard. When the owner asked how much pay his prospective new employee needed, the young man said they could make it on $22.50 a week. Even then, it wasn’t much. But out of that very modest start – far from the top, not even in sight of it – he became one of the most skilled, productive and highest paid men in the dealership. By 1955 – despite an interruption for wartime service in Europe – he and his colleague had formed their own business. That young man was my father. His bootstrapping story became part of the lore of our family. Pop gained the skills he needed along the way and made the most of every opportunity. But he started with fully formed attitudes toward work that helped him succeed. Those attitudes influenced my own life and career significantly. The hard work of Pop’s youth prepared him. His starting point was incidental. Education made a big difference in my life. I believe in it and know its value. I believe in preparation. I believe in acquiring skills. All of these are important. But most of all I believe in teaching children how to work. This is the paramount skill – the fundamental preparation. It is why poor immigrants still arrive here with nothing except knowing how to work hard – and become millionaires. Our young people need this same knowledge. They won’t get it from a childhood of all play and no work.
PARKING What came first the businesses or the residential homes in Red Bank? Well, the truth is that they both developed at the same time. In the late 1800’s Red Bank was a merchant town as well as a port for the farm products to go to New York. Homes surrounded the downtown district. As the town grew the merchants had their homes here and in the 1930’s many of our locally owned businesses grew up in town with the families living close by. The Eisner manufacturing plant gave jobs to about 35% of the families in town and the homes on the West side developed. There was always a parking problem in downtown Red Bank even as early as 1921 when the Chamber of Commerce started to study the “Parking Problem.” In the last ten years as Red Bank became "hiptown" there was a desperate need for more and better parking. The parking garage on White Street could have been a saving grace for the downtown. However it became a political football and it was obvious that the Republican where using it as a hammer against Ed McKenna and the Democratic Party. It turned the residents against the business community and everyone suffered. Today the problem has only gotten worse. We are about to see the development of the Antique District and if we are not careful this side of town could have a major parking problem of its own. The Two River Theater has 100 parking places for 300 people but does not yet have overflow parking for staff and special events that bring in more people and cars. Bridge Ave has only 37 parking places and if we do not think through new development for this area we could have a major shortfall of parking. There are now 7 restaurants and numerous businesses in the area. With the potential development of condos, retail and additional restaurants it might be time to revisit the town’s “legal” requirements for parking.
KEANSBURG BOROUGH COUNCIL MEETING 4/27/05 This past Wednesday 4/27/05 there was a regularly scheduled monthly meeting of the Keansburg Borough Council. On the agenda for this meeting were 8 resolutions and one was added during the meeting. I would like to write a bit about these resolutions before mentioning what I think to be a very important future issue for our town that came up during the administrators report. That issue is discussed in the last three paragraphs of this article. Please be sure to read them. So now to the resolutions: Resolution 88E was held over from the meeting last month and this was the final appointment to the Business Revitalization Committee. Resolution 90 was the awarding of a raffle license for St. Ann’s Gift Auction which will be held on May 5. Resolution 91 was the authorization of the return of an escrow fee for engineering to a resident. Resolution number 92 was for the regular monthly payment of borough bills totaling $1,271,102,03. Resolution 93 was for an emergency temporary budget appropriation totaling $13,000 because of extra snow removal costs incurred this winter. This resolution required an affirmative vote by 4 of 5 council persons. It as placed on hold because at the start of the meeting there were only three councilpersons present. Resolution 94 was the cancellation of an amount of funds left from an older Department of Transportation grant totaling $1,681.06. Resolution number 95 authorized the execution of a grant agreement with KASA. Resolution 96 was for the appointment of another Special Police Officer. Resolution 96 was added to the agenda and voted upon later. This was a resolution authorizing the awarding of a contract for the improvements to be made on Creek Road, Railroad Avenue and Wood Street including Wood Avenue. Since this was a regular monthly meeting there were reports from various department heads presented to the council during the meeting. I may include items for those reports in future articles. However, for now I did want to mention an important item from those reports. There was another round of Advertisements in the local papers due to continued high sodium level in our water. At the time of this report the sodium level had gone back up to 83.5 mg/l. The issue I want to speak about now is an item came up during the administrators report for discussion by council at the last meeting. I am sure by now some of you have heard that our town is considering enacting an ordinance to have registered sex offenders live more then 1,000 feet from schools, playgrounds and parks. At the last meeting, the entire council took part in a discussion of this issue. We have asked our borough attorney to look into drafting such an ordinance and present the ordinance to the council at our next meeting in May. Additionally we will ask the state legislatures to consider enacting such laws for our entire state. Recently there have been similar laws enacted in other states notably Ohio and Florida. Already just based on the announcement that we will consider such an ordinance for our town the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) has begun to rattle its sabers. They seem upset that such laws may violate the constitutional rights of these pedophiles and other degenerate sexual offenders. Well the one question I have for the ACLU is this; who is the guardian of the rights of our children not to be snatched from our streets, violated and possibly murdered? Oh, they (the ACLU) will pound their chests and proclaim that the deviant sexual predators have rights. Yes, unfortunately, they do but do they have more rights then our children? We saw a prime example of the rights of the deviants here in New Jersey. I am sure we all remember Megan well. Other states have had more recent occurrences of children being snatched or lured from the streets and even their homes along with other heinous acts against children even with Megan’s Law. Megan’s Law while good is not strong enough and it is time to take the next steps to protect our children. The simple, unfortunate truth that we see all too often on and in the news is that it is simply not safe for children to be outdoors anymore. So, what do we need here? Well the answer to that question is simple we need your full support. We need the support of every resident in our town concerned for the safety of our children and our residents. We need that support if we are going to be successful in this effort particularly in the face of possible court challenges by the ACLU. I would like to ask as many people as possible to come to the next council meeting to show support for the efforts of our town and our borough council. Please tell your friend’s, relatives and neighbors to come out to support our children and our town by attending the next few council meetings when this ordinance may be on the agenda. Upcoming town events and announcements. Keansburg High School Booster Club - Everything Sale – On Saturday, May 7 at 9:00 AM at the New Point Comfort Fire Company, 192 Carr Avenue, Keansburg the High School Booster Club will hold an Everything Sale. Table rentals are available in advance by calling 732-787-8217 for $15.00 per table. Table rental at the door on the day of the event will be $20.00 per table Free Rabies Clinic - On Saturday, May 7 from 10:00 Am to Noon at the Department of Public Works Garage on Frazee Place. Memorial Day Parade – On Sunday, May 22 at 1:00 PM our town’s Memorial Day parade will step off from in front of the New Point Comfort Fire Company. 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.
THE PRESS: ‘TOWN CENTER A BREATH OF FRESH AIR!” Middletown municipal officials, hear this from the Asbury Park Press on its editorial page March 30: Listen to the Judge( In the lead editorial in the Asbury Park Press March 30, New Jersey’s second largest newspaper admonished local officials): A judge has ordered the Middletown Planning Board to consider the proposal for a $150 million mixed-use “town center” development. A review of the application is long overdue. The five-year battle with township officials opposed to the project has already cost taxpayers more than $200,000 in legal fees You heard it, Middletown taxpayers. That’s a lotta tax dollars being wasted fighting a “town center” that had been zoned in the township’s master plan since 1993, and re-approved over and over again by the municipal government. Here’s what The Press had to say in its stinging editorial on the way Middletown’s officialdom mishandled the proposed Town Center at Middletown: Yet township attorneys appear to be further stonewalling, saying the (planning) board can’t hear the application under the old zoning laws – through ordered to do so last week by Superior Court Judge Lawrence M. Larson. Last year, in an obvious attempt to derail the project, the Township Committee changed the zoning on the site to allow only age-restricted housing. The town center concept had been in the master plan since the early 1990s. The project, scaled down from 1.5 million square feet to 1.2 million, would include a mix of office, retail and residential buildings in a picturesque turn-of-the-century “Main Street” design. Compared to the strip malls and big-box stores that clutter the entire length of Route 35, it would be a breath of fresh air. Planning Board Attorney Lawrence Carton contends the board is ‘only authorized to operate under the law, and the law does not permit this zoning. Wrong. The judge told the board to consider the application under the laws that applied when it was submitted. That’s perfectly reasonable. Carton also said the board was being asked to ‘deal with a hypothetical.’ More balderdash. And Township Attorney Bernard Reilly questioned whether the develop could make changes to the 2003 plan to comply with state regulations and court rulings that came after it was submitted. Why not? If the township hadn’t blocked the application, the developers wouldn’t need to update it. The developers – Mountain Hill Group, run by Joseph Azzolina Jr. and Philip Scaduto – have the right to build on their property. And the township has the right to fairly apply land-use regulations. That process should be played out now – before the Planning Board, not in the county courthouse. It takes the official daily newspaper of Monmouth and Ocean counties to stand up to the politicians who have wasted some five years – and at a great cost to taxpayers – in undermining the municipal planning process. That’s no way to run a major township in Monmouth County. Litigation is not the way. Open and honest planning at the grassroots level is the foundation of our State Constitution.
DO NOT DEVASTATE CHEESEQUAKE PARK! Attention Bayshore residents! Cheesequake State Park, one of the largest tracts of open space in the Raritan Bay-Sandy Hook Bay watershed region, is under threat from over-development. Currently there is a plan before the Old Bridge Zoning Board of Adjustment by New Jersey developer M. Alfieri to build 800,000 square feet of new office space that includes 1 eight story and 2 seven story office buildings and two parking garages. Moreover, the plan calls for up to 15,000 square feet of new retail space and the construction of 83 new single-family homes. The plan is known as Metro-Park South. If approved, Metro-Park South will be bounded by the Garden State Parkway, near Garden State Parkway Exit 120, Matawan-Laurence Harbor Road, Gordon Street, and the border of Old Bridge and Matawan. Future roads will be constructed within the area and additional road improvements will be required. This project will be located immediately across from Cheesequake State Park. Cheesequake State Park contains much sought after public camping. Projected light and noise pollution from tall buildings and many cars will spoil the now tranquil and quiet campground area and the park in general. This pollution has the potential to scare away or provide great stress to many of the wild critters that call Cheesequake home. Metro-Park South will add congestion to local roads and to the Garden State Parkway and degrade the quality of life for those people who wish to have a peaceful place to hike in Cheesequake Park. Moreover, Metro-Park South will bring a steady flow of litter and garbage into parking lots and nearby roadways. When it rains or when the winds blow, this pollution will eventually end up in neighboring streams, such as Whale Creek, and further contaminate our bay beaches and the water quality in the already strained Raritan Bay ecosystem. Metro-Park South is too big for the area. It overwhelms the landscape and local roadways. The project promotes sprawl and poor planning instead of preserving open space right across the road from the picturesque Cheesequake State Park. At 386 acres, Cheesequake State Park is one of the largest tracts of open space in the Bayshore region, from South Amboy to the Highlands. The park is a natural wonder in the middle of a sprawling and already over-developed Bayshore landscape. The park provides miles of beautiful hiking trails that go along pine forests, freshwater wetlands, open fields, and rare white cedar swamps. The park also provides many amenities, such as camping, picnicking, kayaking, canoeing, swimming, and important freshwater fishing for largemouth bass, catfish, and trout. In 1994, New Jersey Audubon recognized the saltwater marsh of Cheesequake Creek and the Park to be valuable habitat for Snowy Egrets, Green Herons, Northern Harriers, Sharp-tailed Sparrows, and Scarlet Tanagers. In fact, the area contains between five to six active Osprey nests, which is perhaps the largest concentration of nesting Ospreys anywhere in the Bayshore region, possibly only second to Sandy Hook. Development should not occur at the expense of the existing environment. Instead of looking for ways to add new development in the Bayshore region that degrades vital habitat and important open space, we need to all work together to protect open spaces and reduce all forms of pollution. Managing growth and protecting our natural resources will ensure a bright future for all Bayshore residents. If you wish to help, please send an email to Mayor Phillips of Old Bridge urging him to bring to an end Metro-Park South and to preserve Cheesequake Park. Mayor Phillips can be reached at: MayorPhillips@oldbridge.com
LADIES OF THE EVENING Puttanesca sauce, most often employed for pasta, originated in Naples. It is made from tomatoes, black olives, capers, anchovies, onions, garlic, and herbs, usually oregano and parsley but sometimes also basil. It is an easy sauce, briefly cooked, and is very fragrant and spicy. Puttanesca translates as “in the style of the whore.” The name derives from the Italian word puttana which means whore. Puttana in turn arises from the Latin word putida which means stinking. Now I’ll bet your wondering how this tasty dish became associated with such sordid content. As is often the case when sifting through culinary history, there are multiple explanations. The first interpretation is that the intense aroma, (harking back to the “stinking” Latin definition), would lure men from the street into the local house of ill repute. Thus, the Napolese harlots were characterized as the sirens of the culinary world. Three additional accounts all hinge on the fact that Puttanesca sauce is easy and quick to make. The first is that the prostitutes made it for themselves to keep the interruption of their business to a minimum. The second is that they made it for the men awaiting their turn at the brothel. And the final version is that it was a favorite of married women who wished to limit their time in the kitchen so that they may visit their paramour. Whatever its origins, Puttanesca is a tasty and vibrant sauce. I like it best with spaghetti or on top of chicken breasts. There are many different recipes, most of them varying on the amounts of the ingredients. Indeed, the basic recipe is flexible. Below is the recipe I use but feel free to alter individual items according to taste. SPAGHETTI PUTTANESCA 1 lb spaghetti or the pasta of your choice Boil the pasta while making the sauce but try to time it that the sauce is done first. Better the sauce simmer for a few extra minutes waiting for the pasta than the reverse. Remove the pasta just a little before it is done so you can finish cooking it in the sauce. Sweat the onion, anchovies, hot pepper, salt and pepper in a generous amount of olive oil until the onions soften and the anchovies disintegrate somewhat. Break the anchovies up with a wooden spoon as they sweat. Go easy on the salt since many of the ingredients are already salty. Add the garlic and cook one minute more. Next add the tomatoes and their juices, breaking them up with a masher or wooden spoon as you bring them to a boil. Add the capers and olives, reduce the heat and simmer uncovered for 8-10 minutes. Add the almost done pasta and cook until the pasta is al dente. Check for additional salt and pepper. Finish with the oregano, parsley and cheese and serve. Oregano by the way is one of the few herbs that aren’t that bad in dried form. Fresh is always best but you can by with dried oregano. The parsley however, must be fresh. Dried parsley is an insipid and grim shadow of its fresh counterpart. Interestingly, black olives are an ingredient in numerous recipes considered to have aphrodisiacal properties. Moreover, they are rumored to specifically increase the female libido. Maybe that’s what put the eroticism in Puttanesca sauce? On that note, here’s my recipe for what I call Italian salsa. Black olives are substituted for peppers and basil for cilantro. I serve it in martini glasses as an appetizer but you could also use it as a topping for bruschetta. Like salsa, it tastes best after an extended rest, (which allows the flavors to meld more thoroughly) and served at room temperature. You can rest it in the fridge overnight and then take it out at least an hour before service. Make sure the tomatoes are fully ripe. ITALIAN SALSA 5 ripe plum tomatoes, chopped Combine the tomatoes, garlic, olives, Parmesan and basil. Pour the oil and vinegar in a bowl and whisk it until an emulsion is formed. Pour this over the tomato mixture and add salt and pepper to taste.
THE PERFECT POUR On Monday the Beer Man played Golf in upstate New York. It was a glorious day and all had a great time. No persons or animals were injured or maimed in the process. No cheap, yellow, watery beer was consumed within his field of vision. A glorious day indeed! The Golf occupied the better part of his day, but the true highlight was the Beer Man’s short visit to Half Time in Poughkeepsie, New York www.halftimebeverage.com . For a beer aficionado Half Time is the closest that you will come to Beer Nirvana. They advertise having over 1000 different beers and they just might have that many, and then some. I had only about 30 minutes to browse and managed to score some great beers to try. I will share my finds with you in a future column, but suffice to say they represent an eclectic mix. I picked out styles ranging from German Altbier to Oak Aged California Imperial Pale Ale. At Half Time you are encouraged to break six-packs and mix and match. Beer Man did so gladly. So much quality beer choose from, so little time to make the choices (loud audible sigh). As promised last week, let’s take a brief moment to talk about properly pouring a beer. We talked about Glassware in the last column. Assuming you have the appropriate glass at hand, make sure it is clean. (Hot water, clean sponge, dish soap, rinsed carefully then air dried and never chilled.) Why so clean? Hygiene considerations aside a dirty glass, containing traces of oils, dirt or residue from a previous beer, may inhibit head creation and destroy or alter the beer’s flavor. Why not chill the glass? In most cases beer is best cool, but not too cold. A chilled glass will inhibit your ability to taste the beer. Some beers require more or less chilling to properly express their charms. Do your homework, read the instructions on the brewers packaging or go to http://www.beeradvocate.com/ for serving suggestions including the type of glass that the beer requires. To start the pour, hold your glass at a 45° angle. Pour the beer, targeting the middle of the slope of the glass. If the head does not start to form on its own don't be afraid to add some air by increasing the distance between the bottle and the glass as you pour. At the halfway point bring the glass vertical and continue to pour in the middle of the glass. This will induce the perfect foam head. Having a head on a beer is an essential part of a proper pour. Head formation releases the beer’s aroma and adds to the visual presentation. Again you may also want to gradually add distance between the bottle and glass as you pour, to coax the beer into raising a good head. Experts agree that an ideal head should be an inch to an inch and a half (two fingers). Each beer is different so some experimentation is in order here. Particular care must be exercised when pouring some bottle-conditioned beers. Such beers may have a considerable amount of yeast sediment in the bottle. With such brews you may wish to watch closely as you pour. Holding the bottle to the light as you pour is helpful. If you don't like yeast in your beer you can stop pouring when you see the sediment coming into the neck of the bottle. Now regarding the sediment in bottle-conditioned beers, first and foremost it is a good thing. In the case of some beers the yeast is an integral pert of the presentation. For example in the case of the Belgian White Beer or the German Hefe-Weizen the yeast flavor is part of the beers character and you actually may wish to interrupt your pour and swirl the last inch or so of the beer around the base of the bottle to loosen as much of the sediment as possible. This last yeasty solution is then poured into the glass. The beer will appear cloudy and have a rich fruity aroma. After some experimentation you will know exactly what the inclusion of yeast does to alter the aroma, the clarity and the taste of each beer you like. You may decide you like certain beers better with or without yeast, regardless of style. Brewers yeast is also high in vitamin B-12 and many other nutrients. Thank you all for your kind e-mails and suggestions. Should any reader have questions about this column or previous columns drop me a line. Next time … A Beer Man road trip perhaps? Until then think global and drink local.
Series on Your Brand: EVERYONE HAS A BRAND McDonalds has its golden arches. Maxwell House is good to the last drop. Jennifer Aniston is the girl-next-door. Branding may conjure up the logos, slogans and images that belong to businesses or celebrities, but not usually what we think of everyday people or certainly ourselves. Yet, in its most basic way, a brand is the image you project externally, and everyone makes an impression on the world. Therefore, everyone has a brand. You have a professional brand. Are you known for playing it safe or innovating? Are you a leader, a manager, a worker bee? Are you the office clown, the gossip, the nurturer? Are the habitual latecomer, the perennially stressed, or the pulled-together one? Are you the writer, analyst, or people person? You probably recognize your colleagues in the above descriptions. If so, they probably can pin a few on you as well. Everyone has a brand. It is difficult to see the picture when you are inside the frame. – John Doerr It may be difficult to identify your brand. You probably do not regularly view yourself through the eyes of others. Try asking your friends and colleagues to identify your current brand. What are your best attributes? How would they describe your personality? What are you the go-to person for? Is there a prototype for you – do you have Oprah Winfrey’s accessibility, Thomas Edison’s creativity? Once you have an idea what your current brand is, you can decide to emphasize what you like and change what you don’t. Rather than haphazardly hoping that people are aware of who you are and what you offer, you can consciously let people know. By acknowledging your brand, you control your message, your career, your life. 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.
HORSE SENSE It's a wonder that we eat some of the foods that we do. Who ever was clever enough to think of eating mushrooms or snails or fish roe? That makes me skip quickly over us human beings and brings me right to 'horse sense.' Legend has it that the first to try a fermented form of soybeans known as Natto was a Japanese Prince Shotoku in the early 7th Century. Let me back up a moment and say that the first to try it was actually his horse. The prince and his army thought that the soybeans had spoiled. Both they and the soybeans looked gosh awful after their long trip. In traveling, it was customary to wrap warm soybeans in rice straw. Over the journey, carried next to the warmth of the horse's body, the soybeans had fermented and the prince thought they looked real yucky. He was about to chuck them when his horse spotted them, smelled them, and devoured them. The horse slobbered, snorted, whinnied, and soon began to gallop about in delight with some newfound energy. Trusting his horse, probably more than he might have trusted his own mother (who never could even get him to eat his veggies), the prince followed suit and so did his army. They ate sticky, stringy, smelly gook and loved it. If TV cameras had been around at the time, it would have made an exciting episode of "Fear Factor." But this was instead the beginning of a new episode of Japanese dietary health, beginning in the Prefecture of Akita in northenmost Japan. Just coincidentally the people there have curly hair and are strong and muscular. Also, just coincidentally, that dog of my son who sat on my head and almost killed me, is an Akita. If you have not heard of Natto, by all means look it up on "Google" and you will be amazed at what is said about it. Of course the most comprehensive info comes from the Japanese medical and nutritional establishment. The first thing of interest was how the fermentation process began. The rice straw contained a bacillus known as bacillus subtilis. Now, by association with Natto, it imparted to the Natto a new characteristic and so it is simply called bacillus natto. It was looked upon with such reverence that the Japanese have claimed that natto prevents or cures such contagious digestive diseases as dysentery, intestinal typhus and cholera. From the Japanese Laboratory of Endocrinology and Molecular Metabolism of the University of Shizuoka comes a report on the very significant merits of natto. The fermented soybean contains Vitamin K2 (menaquinone-7), a most effective form of the vitamin and it is not metabolized through the liver, but in the blood vessels and bone. According to Joseph Mercola, M.D. who maintains a web site of great interest, this vitamin rates the title, "The Pinnacle of Bone and Heart Health." As with any new or unfamiliar nutrient, one should ask his doctor about it. I believe that many doctors here will have learned of it, and I got an OK from mine. Frankly I was excited by claims of natto's ability to help in keeping the arteries clear and to enhance osteoblast activity, which is the making of new bone. Just so there will be no confusion or misinterpretation, there is a Vitamin K that is manmade, Vitamin K3 (Menadione). That is never recommended without caution because it can be toxic and generate free radicals. So the best forms of Vitamin K are formed in foods such as leafy green vegetables and in foods like natto. Of course cautions apply to those who are on bloodthinning medications (anticoagulants) like coumadin (warfarin), or medications in that category. Your doctor may not give an OK if he/she thinks it will counteract action of your medication. Dr. Mercola says that he likes natto better than aspirin because it contains an enzyme, nattokinase, that dissolves thrombi (blood clots). And I, always on the trail of better vascular health, like it better than Ben and Jerry's 'Cherry Garcia' . . . Not! Well, that's because I take it in pill form, not in the sticky, stringy stuff. But I assure you that if I find where to get the food itself, I will tell you. Then we'll truly have 'horse sense.' More . . . Here's an interesting conundrum. Tiger Woods recently had a laser type surgery on his eyes that gave him 20/15 vision. Since 20/20 vision was always been considered perfect, and Tiger was able to reach even greater heights in his game, what might this mean? One sportswriter commented that this might be another form of enhancement similar in intent to steroid use by other athletes. What do you think? Fair?
COMMUNITY POLICING IN HIGHLANDS On Saturday, April 23, 2005 I attended a Community based forum at Henry Hudson Regional High School. The meeting was held by our Police Chief, Joseph Blewett regarding Community Policing. What it is and how it can benefit our community. I found the forum to be informative for both the Police and the attendees. What is Community Policing you ask? Community policing is a collaborative effort between the police and the community that identifies problems of crime and disorder and involves all elements of the community in the search for solutions to these problems. It is founded on close, mutually beneficial ties between police and community members. Community policing offers a way for law enforcement to help re-energize our communities. Developing strong, self-sufficient communities is an essential step in creating an atmosphere in which serious crime will not flourish. It’s a partnership. Effective community policing has a positive impact on reducing neighborhood crime, helping to reduce fear of crime and enhancing the quality of life in the community. It accomplishes these things by combining the efforts and resources of the police, local government and community members. A few months prior to the meeting the Highlands Police Department took a pro-active approach to Community Policing to find out what are the pressing issues facing residents, businesses and adolescence in the community. The PD sent out surveys to get this data. An overwhelming amount of surveys were returned, giving the PD a good idea of what the residents felt were the problems in our community. These issues were discussed at the April 23, 2005 meeting. The Police discussed the issues with the concerned residents and together brainstormed possible ways to eliminate the problems and better the community overall. I know that some people feel that keeping the law is a function of the Police, but in fact it is a community as a whole that makes a community a safer place. The onus is on the Police to keep the law and order with in our municipality. Community Policing is a great way to make everyone involved in making Highlands a safe place. Over the past few years we have had several changes within the Highlands Police Department, due to retirements, as well as Mr. Blewett coming on board as our new Chief. We have a very young Department that is looking to form a bond with the community to make the town safe overall for residents of Highlands. I feel that the Police are doing a fantastic job, the presence of the Highlands Police Department is more visible than ever and the community involvement is key to safer streets.
REPORTS OF RIVER, BAY AND OCEAN FISHING >==>>>>:> >>=>>>:> >==>>>>:> >>=>>>:>
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.
NAUGHTY OR NICE? We all have choices to make—even little people age 2. Last night it was dinnertime, a source of immense stress in our house lately because the 12 year old doesn’t like ANYTHING that is served for dinner and the 2 year old is following in her big sister’s modeled behavioral footsteps. Oh, moody adolescence and the ‘terrible twos’…I pray to God that I have strength to make it through and see the light of sanity once more! Back to dinner… Unfortunately there wasn’t much in the house to cook. Lucy and I will go grocery shopping tomorrow, our scheduled Tuesday trip, but last week we didn’t do a thorough shopping, and we paid the price tonight. So I said what I figured all children and adults would love to hear on a Monday evening after a stressful day of life—what about pancakes?!! Typically Miranda and Dave love to make pancakes over the weekend—one of their favorites—and this is now a big favorite of Lucy’s because she can dip the pieces all by herself into the sticky sweet syrup—yum! We didn’t have pancakes this weekend—so why not Monday night for dinner??? “Oh, I don’t want pancakes for dinner! That’s way too sweet, mom! What are you thinking?” my darling seventh grader said to me with disgust in her eyes and contempt in her voice. Keep in mind that if I said we were having roasted chicken or lasagna or pork chops or anything else that you can think of in the vast food chain she would grimace and say it was a terrible choice… There is NO PLEASING my oldest these days. Dave put his foot down and said, “You’re eating what we’re all eating tonight.” Score one point for dad, I thought, seeing Miranda mumble under her breath and slouch in her seat. We sat down to our pancake dinner. Lucy saw the warm, fluffy, melt-in-your mouth, light brown pancake pieces with a dollop of syrup for dipping in the middle of her Cinderella princess plate and said, “Lucy no like it.” You see, she’s used to the sand dollar sized, thin, stiff pancakes that I buy sometimes in the freezer section when Lucy wants some pancakes and there is no time to make them from scratch. “Oh, it’s yummy!” I tell her, taking a piece on her little fork, dipping it into the syrup, and bringing the bite to her lips that seemed cemented together in a gripped vice that would not allow any tidbit of pancake near her tongue or throat so help her God. She looked straight at me with her big brown eyes and just waited to see what I was going to do. Lately this is the standoff. Lucy acts and she looks to see how I react. So I brought the piece of pancake to my mouth, parted my lips, and ate it. “Oh, this is sooooooooo delicious, Lucy!” I said to her, smiling and swallowing. “Do you want to try one?” I tried again…no luck. OK, let her sit with the plate in front of her. If she’s hungry, she’ll lose the stubborn act and start eating. At this same time, Miranda complains that there isn’t enough pancakes for everyone, that she can’t eat because there won’t be enough. Dave looked at her incredulously—can she really be complaining now about the amount of pancakes after saying she didn’t even want to eat any of them? I’ve taught him to take a breath and think about what he is about to say before he spills out his words. Wisely he is getting used to the world of moody girls and knows that they like to argue about anything and everything. Before this wisdom, a slew of expletives would fly from his mouth, shocking everyone at the table. Then I would reprimand him for using that type of language, and he would get mad at me for telling him what to say and what not to say, and the girls would watch this closely, analyzing the situation, noting how they could get under our skins. Enough said. Without one word, I put three steaming pancakes onto Miranda’s plate. Dave had his, and I had mine. “You better buy more syrup at the store tomorrow,” Miranda said to me under her breath as she painted her pancakes with the sticky stuff. How many times have I asked her to talk nicely to me? I always tell her there is a right way and a wrong way to say things…but she just doesn’t listen or doesn’t care or both. If she can say something that will get the tension mounting, she will. I’ve learned to pick and choose my battles, ever cognizant that I will NOT raise a brat, that she WILL learn right and wrong, courtesy and manners, grace and charm, and all the rest of life that she needs to know before she leaves this home. I will prevail in the end--I am sure of it. I was once a teenage girl—I know the game, how it’s played, the loopholes, and the rules… (Poor Dave—he’s just learning.) “These are great!” I say after buttering mine and slathering them with syrup. “Mmmmm!” Dave agrees, smiling at me to show that we are united in the battle of the pancakes…or is it the battle of the generations? Then, all of a sudden, CRASH! Lucy pushes her heart-shaped princess plate off her tray and it goes flying into the kitchen wall. Pieces of pancake are stuck to the wallpaper, and dots of syrup start to drip toward the floor… We three older ones look at each other and then at the little one! “You don’t do that!” I say in a stern voice, getting up and assessing the mess, trying to figure out where and how to start cleaning it up. “Hey, that’s not nice!” Dave says in an angry voice, looking at Lucy. Miranda sits in silence eating her pancakes, watching the fireworks. Lucy didn’t react, really. She just looked up at us to see what we were going to do. She didn’t want to eat her pancakes, and she made that perfectly clear! I thought of the television show The Nanny… Calmly, I said, “Lucy, you know you’re not supposed to throw your food on the floor. You made a big mess! I am going to take you out of your highchair and put you on the naughty chair where you will sit and think about the mess that you made.” I picked her up, put her into my arms, walked into the living room, and sat her down on the red cushy chair—way too comfortable and plush to be a ‘naughty chair’—but it would have to suffice. I scrunched down so we were on eye level and I said, “You stay here until I come and tell you that you can get up.” I walked back into the kitchen to finish cleaning the mess. Dave told me he would help wash the floor after dinner, to come and eat my pancakes before they got cold. Miranda continued to eat, shocked that her baby sister did something SO BAD and that we reacted to it in a calm, rational way. When I went to check on Lucy after sixty seconds, I found her not on the naughty chair where I left her but in the middle of her tee-pee that she likes to play in. I calmly folded the tee-pee and lifted it up from where she sat to find her sitting there in the middle, a sad expression on her little face. My heartstrings were pulled, but I knew that I couldn’t teach her this important lesson if I caved in. I had to show both girls that they had a choice—to act naughty or nice—and there are consequences for every choice they make. I placed Lucy again on the red chair and got on eye-level, repeating why she was sitting in the naughty chair and reminding her that she had to sit there and not move to any other place until I came to get her. Then I walked away. A few moments after I returned to the kitchen, Miranda saw Lucy crawling on the floor and said, “Lucy, get back on the naughty chair!” Oh, my Miranda was delighted that for a change it was not she who was in trouble! Immediately Lucy scrambled onto her feet and ran to the chair. Dave and I had to stifle smiles. It was too cute. After a minute more I went back to the naughty chair to find Lucy sitting in it and waiting for me. She looked very solemn and sad. I crouched down and looked into her little face, explaining that we don’t throw food on the floor. “Can you say you’re sorry?” I asked. She just looked at me. I asked again. Again, she refused. My little stubborn girl… “I know you’re sorry and you won’t do it again,” I relented, asking her for a hug. That she gave me freely and willingly. Oh, how sweet this little girl is, I thought, and how quickly she learned how to antagonize and break the rules just to see what would happen! After our embrace, I took her by the hand and we walked back into the kitchen. She got back into her seat. She looked at Miranda and said, “No throw food. Naughty chair…” It was her way of telling her big sister what happened to her for the few minutes she wasn’t in the kitchen causing havoc with her partner in crime. Perhaps it was also a warning from sister to sister… this could happen to you, too, miss! Soon dinner was over and it was time for Lucy to take a bath. Miranda and Lucy walked out of the kitchen together when suddenly I heard a screech—and that only happens when Lucy pulls Miranda’s hair… “Miranda! Stop yelling at Lucy!” I said, hearing Miranda getting mad at her little sister. Then I heard, “Ada. Go room!” Lucy repeated it twice. Oh, how little eyes and ears see and hear everything! Whenever Miranda gets in trouble, Lucy knows that eventually, if it continues and escalates, Miranda will get sent to her room. I have to teach my girls that they don’t need to discipline each other—that their dad and I have it covered… Dave and I, alone in the kitchen, trying to clean up the syrupy wall, couldn’t help but laugh. Oh, where there is a will, there is a way… Please, God, help us to get there!
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
AH MAYOR MAKES EARLY START TO CAMPAIGN SEASON Campaign season has begun. Interesting that the first volley comes from the Mayor who decries, in his column in a local weekly print publication, the criticism his administration gets from Councilman Archibald and others as campaign posturing. The Mayor fails to make any effort at bipartisanship. A good mayor would find ways to make the council work as one for the betterment of the community.
The AH Herald provides this space for community commentary on issues of local importance. 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
Again, the Red Bank Elks Lodge 233 along with other organizations will participate in the Red Bank sponsored Memorial Day Service at the Veterans Monument, 51 Monmouth St Red Bank, at 11 AM to honor those fighting men and women who have died to protect our freedom. It seems the only ones who remember is the one who have fought, or lost someone in the fighting. This is a day to show we have not forgotten even though this is a Debt We Can Not Repay. So take time out of your three day weekend and paid holiday to show them you care. James W Harris, Sr.
As a result of tremendous growth over the last two decades, increased public transportation has become a necessity for Monmouth and Ocean Counties. The best way to satisfy this need would be to reactivate New Jersey Transit’s proposed Lakehurst to Monmouth Junction line and connect Monmouth and Ocean with their neighbor, Middlesex County. As the least intrusive of the three proposed lines, this alternative would offer an appropriate balance between the needs of the commuters and the needs of the neighborhoods that would be affected by a rail line reactivation. Although New Jersey Transit’s Draft Environmental Impact Statement suggests that the Lakehurst to Matawan line would attract the most riders, this is not the only priority that should be weighed during this discussion. Equal consideration must be given to both the commuters and those who would have to accommodate the reactivated line in their neighborhoods. For that very reason, we are opposed to the reactivation of the proposed Lakehurst to Matawan line which would run through Freehold Boro, Freehold Township and Marlboro, and the Lakehurst to Red Bank line, which would be located in Red Bank, Shrewsbury, Colts Neck and Tinton Falls. Eastern Monmouth County already has train service, and the Monmouth Junction line would serve western Monmouth communities in a much less disruptive manner. Because we understand the need for mass transportation from an environmental and traffic perspective, we agree that Monmouth County must do its part, if feasible, to allow rail service for the MOM (Monmouth Ocean Middlesex) line to pass through. However, we believe strongly that the Monmouth Junction line would be the most advantageous route. The Matawan line, which New Jersey Transit seems to be favoring at present, would be detrimental to thousands of people and would destroy a $2.5 million trail project just about to be completed by the Monmouth County Park System. This southern extension of the Henry Hudson Trail is expected to be used by 145,000 people per year when it opens. Many area homeowners paid premiums to live nearby, and hundreds of homes are currently being constructed along its borders. Developers are touting its proximity as a selling point for future homeowners. To reactivate a rail line in this area would be a betrayal of the public’s trust. We have taken a great deal of time in addressing this issue with our constituents. We have worked with them at three meetings, all of which were public. We thank the Asbury Park Press for clarifying on March 29 that their editorial criticizing the closed door nature of New Jersey Transit’s last meeting in Freehold was in error. We demanded that it be open to the public, New Jersey Transit complied, and 250 people attended. We have also met with the Central Jersey Rail Coalition and have agreed to work with them to advocate for the Monmouth Junction line. As part of our process of reviewing New Jersey Transit’s findings which point to the Matawan line as the most advantageous, we have made a request under the Open Public Records Act (OPRA) for copies of all communications between NJT and lawmakers or state officials, as well as internal documents produced by NJT from the date one year before their February, 1996 Major Investment Study (or “MIS”) through the current date, with respect to the Matawan line currently being considered. In that 1996 report, NJT determined that the Matawan line was not worthy of study. We are trying to determine why what was an unattractive option has suddenly become the most favored. The only information we can glean is that a Middlesex County legislator demanded that this line, which does not even affect his county, be put back on the table. If this is the motivation behind New Jersey Transit’s about-face from their own 1996 study, we believe that the Matawan line is tainted on its face and should be excluded from further consideration, along with the Red Bank line which their current study shows is the least desirable based on ridership data. We hope our OPRA request will help us to get some answers, since none has been provided and the appendix covering the Matawan line in the 1996 study has not been provided, and no one seems to be able to produce it. We further believe that an objective assessment of these rail lines will reveal significant flaws in NJT’s ridership estimates for the Matawan line, since areas served by that route will not realize population growth as high as those served by the Monmouth Junction line. Our office will continue to work with the thousands of Monmouth County residents who have spoken to us about this issue. We encourage anyone with comments or questions about this process to please e-mail us at AsmPanter@njleg.org and AsmMorgan@njleg.org. Micheal J Panter
With reference to a letter published in the Atlantic Highlands Herald on April 21, 2005, we want to advise you that an "ad hoc committee", as so stated in this letter does not exist in the Harbor Commission. We have a "special committee" along with other committees appointed in January of each year by the Chairman that consist of two members. This "special committee" handles projects outside the daily operation of the Harbor. This committee met and reviewed the concepts of the proposal by the DOT consultants. We did not denounce their concepts, nor did we state "that changes would be bad for the Harbor." Our commitment is to oversee the operation of your Harbor and believe me we put in a lot of time. We were merely expressing our concern as to how this proposal would affect our ability to return a substantial contribution to the town. This year we anticipate returning to the borough $936,000.00. We hope this information will help make you realize that we are not negative, small minded or narrow and have no personal interest, as we were accused of in this letter to the residents. The concepts are available at Borough Hall. In the very near future, a meeting will be held for you, the residents. Please make every effort to attend. This is your Harbor, not the wishes of a few. Sincerely, Helen Marchetti, Chairman
Dear Editor, My name is Jordan and I am a 5th grader at Hillcrest Elementary in Washington state. I am creating a magazine of New Jersey state. I am hoping that residents of New Jersey will send information to me helping me make my state magazine a success. My magazine will voer such topics as state facts, history, climate/weather, of the state, career and job opportunities, sporting activitiesm and interesting places to visit. If any residents of your town can help me in completing my project, I would be extremely grateful. Any information would be most appreciated. Thank you! Jordan
To the Editor, In July of 2003, yes, 2003, in a published letter to the editor, I suggested that someone "follow the money" regarding what was being pushed upon the public by the National Park Service in the name of "historic rehabilitation" at Ft. Hancock on Sandy Hook. In the April 28, 2005 edition of the Asbury Park Press, "Local News" section, page 1, in an article entitled "Lawyer accused of hiding financing" ----there it is again, the questions about the money. The NPS wants to prevent the disclosure of material information that should be in the public domain. Why? This is not a "Top Secret" military project. This project involves National Park property that belongs to the people of the United States and we want to know what is going on. My concerns about the Ft. Hancock proposal have little or no relationship to how much rent would be received-it's about giving up control of the area to a developer for 60 years. If the rent issue is the one that negates the process that has gone on for an unheard of number of years (since 1999)-so be it. Hooray!! That same 2003 letter raised still relevant and pending issues of: tax credits for the developer vs. the NPS doing the rehabilitation itself; the building of new buildings on "old footprints"; the supposed "no increase in traffic"; the mutilation of the land to bring in the updated cables, sewerage capacities, gas lines, parking lots, noise pollution, etc.; the guarantees for the developer to amend the lease so that the developer can ensure financial success; the volume of visitors that would be required to support the expenditures for the work planned; and the total disregard for keeping this entire, relatively small jewel of a National Park for US-you and me, and all the other people who wish to enjoy the entire park, reflect on its past, feel the emotions that went into the development of the protective shore gun batteries; enjoy the beauty and serenity that is so rarely left for the people of New Jersey to enjoy (without its being gobbled up and made into something commercial, for someone else's profit). I do not want a corporate park on Ft. Hancock/Sandy Hook. I hope you don't either. Sincerely,
Patricia A. Stilwell
The mayor of Atlantic Highlands has failed to bring harmony to the borough council; in fact the atmosphere gets rather hostile at times. With that said, it should come as no shock that senior councilmember, Jack Archibald, should speak out and be critical when he feels it necessary to do so. The mayor complains, “Jack Archibald rarely finds anything to like about anything at Borough Hall.” What Mr. Archibald has been critical of is the revolving door, with all the recent turnover in the borough. The Donoghue Administration has not been able to provide Atlantic Highlands with stability in its government. The mayor says, Mr. Archibald “criticizes the recent resignation and replacements of some employees as if they could have been avoided”. Some feel that perhaps, certain resignations could have been avoided. Interested citizens can look at how the council voted on all appointments and new hires made in the borough. Many times the council vote was deadlocked 3-3 on borough appointments with the mayor casting the deciding vote. The end result: several of the mayor’s new appointments were unable to perform their duties and resigned their posts. The mayor carps, that “Jack Archibald…should offer up the assets of his experience and knowledge.” Perhaps our mayor needs to open his eyes (and ears). Mr. Archibald has brought his advice and suggestions to council on numerous occasions; they have fallen on deaf ears (and blind eyes) of the political majority. At the end of the day I see an ugly campaign brewing. The mayor has chosen to sling mud from the forum of a weekly newspaper column. Mayor, you did not take the “high road” with your April 28 th article. Since you can’t teach an old dog new tricks, why should we expect any more or less from Donoghue and his administration? Sincerely,
Kim Spatola 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 Copyright 2005, Allan Dean, All Rights Reserved.
If you chose to print this publication, please use recycled paper.8½ X 11 paper can be recycled. |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| ||||||
