ATLANTIC HIGHLANDS HERALD
New Jersey's 1st Official Electronic Newspaper
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ATLANTIC HIGHLANDS HERALD |
New Jersey's 1st Official Electronic Newspaper AHHerald.com |
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T E L L T H E M Y O U S A W I T I N T H E H E R A L D
story and photos ATLANTIC HIGHLANDS, NJ — A good memory and the power of observation are must-have skills for a criminal investigator Det. Tom Stone told children at the Summer Mini-Camp held at the Monmouth Lodge in Atlantic Highlands.
The mini-camp is the brainchild of four local moms - all active members of the Friends of the Library. Nilda Lynch, Kristen Heisey, Gwen Reynolds and Beth Long discussed the idea of providing a learning experience for children during the summer. Mrs. Reynolds said, "There are things like (the town) summer recreation (program) available in the morning. This is something to do in the afternoon." Kristen Heisey said, "The idea was to get some kids together and learn something in a hands on way." About 30 children participate in sessions for 8 weeks studying the arts and sciences. The sessions run from 3:30 - 4:15 p.m on Tuesdays and Wednesdays. The first four weeks of the mini-camp have been devoted to science. A study of volcanos led by Gewn Reynolds, included the modeling of a volcano using Mentos breath mints and diet cola. Kristin Heisey led a discussion of the environment and the water cycle. The children were surprised to learn that they drink the same water the dinosaurs drank. Beth Long gave a demonstration of motors and simple machines like levers and pulleys. Nilda Lynch, prepared a program on criminal forensics and invited Atlantic Highlands Detective Tom Stone to talk with the children about investigative techniques used by the police to solve crimes.
Det. Stone told the kids that the most important thing an investigator brings to the crime scene is a sharp brain and his or her five senses. He noted that unlike TV shows, an investigator at a drug crime scene would never "taste" the drug to determine what was the substance. Instead the substance is chemically tested to determine what it is. Det. Stone said mathematics is very important to investigators. He explained that dollar bills, for example, have serial numbers that help trace real and conterfeit money. The children also received fingerprint ID kits that their parents can complete and have on file at the local police department to help identify their child in the event of an emergency. The summer mini-camp receives logistical support from the Friends of the Atlantic Highlands Public Library and librarian Marilyn Scherfen. Books at the library are pulled together each week and cover topics discussed at the camp. Richard "Slim" Faller, of the Monmouth Lodge of the Freemasons in Atlantic Highlands learned about plans for the summer camp and secured the use of the air-conditioned lodge to hold the sessions. The mini-camp continues through August with the next four sessions devoted to the arts. Local artist Susan Vosburgh will lead the sessions on: tie-dying, decoupage, charcoal as a medium. Registration for the programs is free. Sign-ups are available at the Atlantic Highlands Public Library. Sessions at the Masonic Lodge fill up quickly and there is a waiting list for some sessions. For more information visit the library located inside borough hall at 100 First Avenue.
by Marilyn Scherfen ATLANTIC HIGHLANDS, NJ — 'Hamming it up' took on new meaning when the Atlantic Highlands Public Library hosted a Hog-Calling Contest last Wednesday evening, July 28. In keeping with the animal theme of the summer reading program, 'Paws, Claws, Scales, & Tales', the contest created an evening of fun for more than 20 area children who went 'whole hog' by competing for trophies and prizes in several different categories, including 'Best Snort', 'Best Squeal', 'Best Oink', 'Hamsomest', and 'Most Original' call. Many 'brought home the bacon': Peter LaMonica won a trophy and prize for being 'Best in Hamlet.' Other winners included Cameron Olsen, Dakota Olsen, Carl Ward, Danielle Ward, Jessica Egnatovich, Katelyn Nutile, Catherine Mass, Alex Peters, Krupa Lanka, and Derek Lucas, who was deemed 'Biggest Ham.'
Judges Joe Sacco, Gwen Reynolds, and Linda Lucas, proved to be quite the hams themselves, wearing pig snouts while in their official capacity determining the evening's winners.
The contest was preceded by a visit from Mrs. Susan Chilvers and her pig, Chloe. Children were invited to pet and feed Chloe, as Mrs. Chilvers informed the children about Chloe and other pigs.
by Irene Campbell EARLE NAVAL WEAPONS STATION — In mid July seven cadets from US Naval sea Cadets, NWS Earle division went on a two week trip to Scotland.
The cadets stayed at Sea Cadet Training Center Caledonia which is near Edinburgh. Once here they visited many tourist attractions including EdinburghCastle , the Falkirk Wheel, the Wallace Monument and a falconry. They also had the honor of meeting with the Lord Provost of Dundee. They went sailing, played cricket, and climbed the world's biggest rock wall.
They met with cadets from Scotland and other countries and made many new friendships.
The US Naval sea cadets is a youth organization sponsored by the US Navy League and the Coast Guard. All young adults from ages 11-17 are welcome to join. The organization fosters patriotism, self esteem and leadership as well as teaching maritime skills.
During the summer, there is much training available for Sea cadets in scuba diving, homeland security, photojournalism , medical , and the Coast Guard to name a few. Ray Vargas, of Highlands is looking forward to spending 2 weeks in a couple of weeks at the Coast Guard station at Sandy Hook. He has been involved in sea cadets for 6 years. he plans to join the Coast Guard upon his graduation from high school next June. The sea cadets will have a table at the Clamfest in Highlands this week Thursday August 3rd thru Sunday August 6. They will have information and a video on the organization. The table will be manned by several Sea Cadets. For more info stop by and see what the Sea Cadets is all about or go to nwsearleseacadets.org. See photo gallery of cadets trip to Scotland
press release LONG BRANCH, NJ — With three of the five races already contested, Bill Hoffman, 26, of Eatontown and Madelyn Noe-Schlentz, 45, of Freehold are the overall men's and women's point leaders in the SBLI Jersey Shore Golden Grand Prix Running Series.
Hoffman, the 2004 and 2005 Golden Grand Prix Champion, starred at Christian Brothers Academy in Lincroft. Noe-Schlentz is a top masters runner, having qualified for Olympic Trials in the marathon in 2004, and setting American Masters Indoor records for the 1 mile and 3000 meters and the American Masters Outdoor record for 10,000 meters. Hoffman again leads open men in the series with 285 accumulated points, followed by Robert Cavanaugh, 28, West Long Branch, in second place with 272. Michael Rolek of Maplewood, Jay McGovern of Atlantic Highlands, and Larry Levy of Reading, PA. fill out the top five spots. Diane Petruzelli, Lincroft, 39, closely follows Noe-Schlentz's 277 points with 273 points. Ali Belicose, Red Bank, third place, Amber Hart, Colts Neck, fourth place and Christine Gaeta, Lincroft, round out the top women's standings. Leading in their respective age groups are David Demonico, 38, South River; Larry Levy, 40, Reading Pa; Rick Pingitore, 47, Fair Lawn; Michael Mooney, 50, Jackson; Thomas Hall, 56, Lincroft; Ron Cohen,60, Staten Island; James Leitz, 66, Bayonne; Tom Cangialosi, 71, Rumson; George Evanovich, 76, South River; and Clarence Lurch, 85, Wall. Womens’ age group leaders are Diane Petruzelli, 39, Lincroft; Christine Gaeta, 40, Lincroft; Madelyn Noe-Schlentz, 45, Freehold; Jan Farnung Krause, 52, Dunnellen; Paula Crane, 58, Montclair; Linda Thurston, 64, Doylestown Pa; Gloria Jenkins, 69, Mt Holly; Elizabeth Thomas, 73, Lincoln Park; and Nancy Dontzin, 76, Farmington NY. The series began on Memorial Day Weekend with the 9,000 person Spring Lake 5, followed by the Sheehan Classic in Red Bank, and the Belmar 5 Mile Run, held recently on July 8th. Remaining on the grand prix circuit is the Asbury Park 5K, on August 12th and the 3rd Annual Pier Village 5K in Long Branch on Labor Day Monday, September 4th. In its third year, the SBLI Jersey Shore Golden Grand Prix has attracted runners from across the tri-state area competing for prize money in the individual races, as well as the overall series. Once again, prize money is awarded in the open and age group divisions in each of the SBLI Jersey Shore Golden Grand Prix races, as well as for the top point winners in the open and age group divisions at the series end. At stake this year is $33,000 in total prize money with $4,000 up for grabs at each of the Spring Lake, Belmar, Asbury Park and Pier Village races, and $7,000 money at the Sheehan Classic. In addition, $10,000 in prize money will be awarded to the SBLI Jersey Shore Golden Grand Prix series winners. Organizers and sponsors hope to inspire runners of all abilities to participate in the SBLI Jersey Shore Golden Grand Prix events. Organized by shore area running enthusiasts, Tim McLoone and Phil Hinck are excited to partner with SBLI on the Grand Prix, “The hope is that the SBLI Jersey Shore Golden Grand Prix will inspire front runners, middle of the packers, and also beginners to participate annually in the Shore events, contributing to an already great legacy of shore running.” “We are excited at the opportunity to be the title sponsor of the SBLI Jersey Shore Golden Grand Prix,” said SBLI President and CEO Robert K. Sheridan. “The Grand Prix has quickly become one of the most well-known and respected series of races in New Jersey, offering a first-class running experience for recreational runners and elite competitors alike. For nearly a century, SBLI has been known for encouraging and rewarding healthy lifestyles among its policyholders, and we view our sponsorship of the SBLI Jersey Shore Golden Grand Prix as an excellent fit with our corporate philosophy of promoting activities that help people to live longer, healthier lives.” Runners who complete all five SBLI Jersey Shore Golden Grand Prix races will receive a commemorative gift at the final race, the Pier Village 5K in Long Branch on Labor Day, and are entered into a special drawing for prizes. Kelly Conneen, Point Pleasant, won the Grand Prize last year, a flat TV/DVD combination. This years Grand Prix prize promises to be even more worth the challenge of running all those miles. For complete SBLI Jersey Shore Golden Grand Prix results or to enter the Asbury Park 5K or the Pier Village 5K Long Branch race, go to www.SBLIgrandprix.com or call (732) 571-2162.
press release RED BANK, NJ — The Fab Faux benefit concert held at the Count Basie Theatre on June 17th raised $170,000 for three Monmouth County organizations - the Count Basie Theatre, The Community YMCA and Holiday Express.
For the past five years, the Fab Faux, made up of Will Lee from The Late Show with David Letterman and Jimmy Vivino from Late Night with Conan O'Brien, Rich Pagano, Frank Agnello and Jack Petruzzelli, have rocked the Basie performing Beatles' tunes. "The audience loves this show. It's a 'feel good' night." says Rusty Young, Count Basie Theatre Foundation CEO. "How many fundraisers can you go to where you don't have to get dressed up, where you can listen to the music of the Beatles performed by some of the country's most talented musicians and know that every dollar raised through ticket sales will go directly to the evenings beneficiaries." The first Fab Faux concert was held in 2001 and because of generous support of sponsors like K Hovnanian Companies, JAM Anonymous Foundation and the Carter Family Fund over $500,000 of needed support was given back to the community.
"The work that The Count Basie Theatre, The Community YMCA and Holiday Express do each and every day couldn't happen without fundraising events like these" says Young. "We are really happy that this show has become an annual event and is drawing more sponsorship interest each year. We are already planning next years concert which will be held at the Basie on June 18, 2007."
press release ATLANTIC HIGHLANDS, NJ — The Atlantic Highlands Marine Rescue Unit responded Friday afternoon, July 28, to a report of a man in distress in the Sandy Hook Bay. Trained water rescue personnel from the Atlantic Highlands First Aid Squad and the Atlantic Highlands Fire Department immediately launched two fully equipped emergency response rescue boats and sped to a man whose catamaran had capsized in the bay, according to AHFAS captain Jerry Pandolfo.
The man was spotted in the water by an Atlantic Highlands resident who called the Atlantic Highlands Police Department. AHFD Deputy Chief Jim Phillips set up an incident command site in the harbor. The Leonardo dive team was also dispatched. The man was plucked from the water by a passing boater, and then transferred to a Marine Rescue Unit boat. He was uninjured and transported to shore for evaluation by the Atlantic Highlands First Aid Squad. “The response was timely and the team performed exactly as trained,” Pandolfo said. “Members of the First Aid Squad, Fire Department and the Atlantic Highlands Police Department worked together to make sure the man was safe.” Pandolfo noted that while the victim was wearing a life vest, the water temperature is still cool enough to cause hypothermia after prolong exposure. “We have an active harbor and we train frequently for this type of incident,” Pandolfo said. “We’re thankful the man was uninjured.”
press release RED BANK, NJ — Monmouth County Sheriff Joseph W. Oxley announced that an “Ident-Adult” senior photo identification card program was held on July 31st for residents of Wesley Arms United Methodist Homes, Wall Street in Red Bank. Undersheriff Tom Pegut processed the ID card applications and photographed the new participants in the program. Approximately fifteen seniors participated in the event.
The “Ident-Adult” photo ID card contains pertinent information such as name, address, medical conditions, emergency contact numbers and doctor phone numbers should the person carrying the card become ill and need assistance. The wallet-size plastic photo ID’s can be used as a secondary form of identification as well as for emergency purposes. Over 4,000 “Ident-Adult” cards were issued in 2005. “The safety and security of all of our residents is my highest priority,” said Sheriff Joseph W. Oxley. “These cards can help save a senior’s life with the emergency contact information provided.” For further information, contact Undersheriff Ted Freeman at 732-577-5743.
press release RED BANK, NJ — The Monmouth County Inter- League Organization of the League of Women Voters, at its 38th annual meeting, elected the following officers: President, Esther Greenberg, Vice-President, Marie Curtis, Secretary, Wilma Quantrille, Treasurer, Don Curtis, and directors, Zena Gurman, Elaine Anderson, Louise Usechak, Janet Ferrante, Mary Hand, Sharon Steinhorn and Mary Andrews. The speaker at the meeting was Joe Marmora, President and Executive Director of Interfaith Neighbors, who described the activities of his organization. It provides housing and meals to those in need in Monmouth County and are supported by donations from various churches and temples, as well as grants. The Inter-League Organization is comprised of members from the three local Leagues in Monmouth County: Greater Red Bank Area, Township of Ocean, and Western Monmouth. Members of this organization observe the Monmouth County Board of Chosen Freeholders and Planning Board meetings, and serve on the County’s Community Development Block Grant Program, Solid Waste Advisory Committee and the County Environmental Commission. The League also testifies on county issues based on our positions derived from grassroots level study and consensus, holds forums on issues of county interest, moderates candidates’ meetings for county office, and conducts voter registration drives. Its purpose is to promote political responsibility through informed and active citizen participation in government. It is nonpartisan; it neither supports nor opposes any political party or candidate., The League does take action in supporting or opposing governmental issues on which it has a position which has been derived from membership consensus following impartial study. For further information please contact Esther Greenberg, 732 617-2895.
press release Friday, September 8, 2006 FREEHOLD, NJ — The annual End of Summer Party for the Sandy Hook Foundation will be held on Friday, September 8 on the North Beach Pavilion. The End of Summer Party raises money to support the programs and projects of the Foundation including restoration preservation projects. The party menu includes seafood raw bar from the Lusty Lobster, and other supporters include Bahrs Restaurant, Salt Creek Grille, the SeaGull's Nest, and American B&D Company. Live music provided by Daddy Pop. For information or reservations, call the office at 732-291-7733.
press release FREEHOLD, NJ — The Bayshore Companion Dog Club presented a bullet-proof canine vest to Monmouth County Sheriff’s Office K-9, Jake, an explosive detection dog, and his partner, Sheriff’s Officer Patrick Hamor. The presentation was made at the Monmouth County Fair on Friday, July 28th, just prior to the club’s obedience training demonstration. Making the presentation was club president Jeannine Bennett and club member Joann Lesko.
Sheriff’s Officer Patrick Hamor, K-9 Jake, Jeannine Bennett, president, Bayshore Companion Dog Club and club member Joann Lesko. Jake, a three-year-old Golden Retriever, and his partner, Sheriff’s Officer Patrick Hamor, graduated from the 12-week Port Authority K-9 School in June 2005. The Monmouth County Sheriff’s Office K-9 Unit consists of seven dogs: five explosive detection teams (K-9 Rocky – German Shepherd, K-9 Lexus – Chesapeake Bay Retriever, K-9 Zak – Labrador Retriever, K-9 Falco – German Shepherd and K-9 Jake – Golden Retriever), one tracking team (K-9 Luke– Bloodhound) and one narcotics detection dog (K-9 Sheba - German Shepherd.) The Sheriff’s Office K-9 Unit is called upon year-round to assist local police departments with explosive detection, criminal or missing person searches, and narcotics detection. In 2005, the Sheriff’s Office K-9 Unit responded to 209 calls for assistance, including 17 narcotics calls, 21 criminal tracking calls, 18 missing person calls, and 153 explosive detection calls. “I appreciate the generosity of the Bayshore Companion Dog Club in the donation of this vest to our K-9 unit,” said Sheriff Joseph W. Oxley. “This vest will help to ensure Jake’s safety as he carries out his duties with our K-9 Unit, helping to keep Monmouth County a safe and place in which to live, work and raise a family.” The Bayshore Companion Dog Club, located in Eatontown, was organized in 1950 and has approximately 200 members from Monmouth and Ocean counties. The club teaches dog owners how to properly train their pets and offers training opportunities for dog owners. For additional information, contact Undersheriff Ted Freeman at 732-577-5743 or visit www.sheriffoxley.com. press release Ride Out the Heat Wave with Red Cross Tips TINTON FALLS, NJ — With an intense heat wave expected to sweep over the Northeast this week, your American Red Cross urges a three-pronged approach to keeping your cool: · Protect Yourself from High Heat Impact · Prepare for Potential Power Outages · Swim with Safety Heat Safety: Prolonged exposure to excessive humidity and high temperatures can put stress on our bodies. Minimize this impact by staying cool, staying inside and staying hydrated by drinking lots of water. When air conditioning is not available at home or through a cooling center, go to a mall, a movie or visit your local library for relief.
If you must be outside:
Power Outage Preparedness: Hot summer days mean increased energy use for air conditioning, putting a real strain on Northeast power supplies. This creates the potential for temporary blackouts. Assemble Essential Supplies Ahead of Time: • Flashlight (remember, due to the extreme risk of fire, candles should not be used during a power outage). • Portable radio • Extra batteries for the flashlight and portable radio • At least one gallon of water per person per day • A small supply of food • Keep your car fuel tank at least half full because gas stations rely on electricity to power their pumps. Swimming Safety: Many people seek heat relief in pools, lakes and oceans. Be sure to follow these heat precautions even when out by the pool. Dehydration and extreme sunburn are still risks, even when you are in the water.
The American Red Cross is where people mobilize to help their neighbors—across the street, across the country and across the world—in emergencies. Each year, in communities large and small, victims of some 70,000 disasters turn to neighbors familiar and new—the nearly 1 million volunteers and 35,000 employees of the Red Cross. Through almost 815 locally supported chapters, more than 15 million people gain the skills they need to prepare for and respond to emergencies in their homes, communities and world. Some 4 million people give blood—the gift of life—through the Red Cross, making it the largest supplier of blood and blood products in the United States. The Red Cross helps thousands of U.S. service members separated from their families by military duty stay connected. As part of the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement, a global network of 181 national societies, the Red Cross helps restore hope and dignity to the world's most vulnerable people. An average of 91 cents of every dollar the Red Cross spends is invested in humanitarian services and programs. The Red Cross is not a government agency; it relies on donations of time, money, and blood to do its work. press release MIDDLETOWN, NJ — Middletown Newcomers' Club announces the following August activities: AUGUST LADIES NIGHT OUT "Inlet Café" AUGUST CHILDRENS OUTING "Music for Aardvarks" * Who: Children ages 6 mo. to 5 yr. w/ parent or guardian The dance studio is located on the corner of Middletown Lincroft Road and Route 520 behind the Lincroft Inn. "Save the date, mark your calendar" SEPTEMBER SOCIAL "Educational Seminar" Join us for our first educational seminar on "INTERNET SAFETY FOR PARENT" as Justyna Kilbourne, a Senior Investigation Officer at AOL presents critical information on what every parent needs to know. Registration is required, space is limited. Guests of MNC members are welcomed as long as registered. Contact Pamela Germek at 732.706.3544 or email pamelagermek@yahoo.com The Middletown Newcomers' Club is a social and charitable organization that fosters friendship among residents of Middletown and the surrounding areas. As the 2006-2007 board takes on a new leadership team, we look forward to expanding our presence in Middletown, NJ -- come join us! The club offers programs for its members, including adult and children's socials and diverse interest groups. To join the club, contact our membership chairperson Kerri Granito at Kerri7@comcast.net or for more information visit our website at www.freewebs.com/middletownnewcomersclub. Don't live in your community…join it!
press release "Women Taking Steps to Help Women" September 2, 2006 HOLMDEL, NJ — Over 500 individual women runners and walkers are expected to join together on the Saturday of Labor Day Weekend to raise funds for and promote awareness of organizations that provide essential services to women and their children in Monmouth and Ocean Counties.
Presented by the Jersey Shore Running Club, the thirteenth annual Saturday in the Park 5K "Women Taking Steps to Help Women" will be a fun-filled, rain or shine event featuring: Women's 5K Run and Walk - 9:00am Race Day Registration begins at 8:00 am. Entry fees are $20 before August 26th, $25 after August 26th and $5 for Children's Races. Early registration discounted entry is offered to JSRC members and to participants in the 5K under age 20. Participants who raise $75 or more in pledges receive free entry. "We are very excited to be celebrating our 13th Anniversary. The main reason for celebration is knowing this race supports programs dedicated to providing shelter, counseling, advocacy and education for women and their families in both Monmouth and Ocean counties." said Penny Hinck, Race Director, Jersey Shore Running Club. Past participants of Saturday in the Park have consistently remarked about how they have been touched by the ceremony at the start of the race when the runners and walkers join hands and realize the need for all of us to come together to support these "safe harbors" for women and their families. "For 2006 we have the beneficiary organizations of Epiphany House of Asbury Park and Long Branch, Providence House of Catholic Charities in Ocean County, and Spring House, Eatontown,” added Hinck. Since its inception, Saturday in the Park 5K has raised over $155,000 and has created greater public awareness of options and services available to women. The Saturday in the Park Women’s 5K has enjoyed enthusiastic support from many girls’ high school and youth athletic teams. In an effort to show our appreciation to these teams and to encourage continued support of SIP and the race’s beneficiaries, the race is offering two benefits to high school and youth teams. First, all members of these teams will get the special entry fee of $15, provided that they register prior to August 26. Second, awards will be given to the top three high school or youth teams based on their number of participants. The awards will be a contribution to their team fund in the following amounts: $150 to the team with the most participants, $100 to the team with the second largest number of participants and $50 to the team with the third largest number of participants. For more information on this program, please contact our high school and youth team coordinator, John MacGillivray at JMacRuns@aol.com. Saturday in the Park event sponsors include: JSRC Women's Running 101, East Coast Infertility & IVF, Charity House Foundation, Telcordia Technologies Pioneers Chapter 99, Monmouth County Police Chiefs Association, The Windmill, Whole Foods Market, Assemblyman Sean T. Kean, Central Jersey Bank N.A., Heart Specialists of Central Jersey, Kenney, Gross, Kovats & Parton, O'Donnell, Stanton & Associates, Inc., The MacGowan Agency, Inc., Two River Community Bank, and Thomas J. Mulvaney. Members of the race committee include: Cathy Berth, Lorraine Buckler, Elaine Hartung, Barbara Hay, Eileen Higgins, Penny Hinck, Philip Hinck, Elizabeth Ireland, John MacGillivray, Adele S. McDonough, Tom Mulvaney, Joanne O’Shea, Suzanne Parton, Linda Rieche, Deana MacLean Roberts, Luann McGraw Russell, Janie Steinman-Gordon, Kathie Sterzinar, and Maria Ursino. The committee has solicited extraordinary prizes including a grand prize drawing of a women's bicycle, donated by the Jersey Shore Running Club, a girl's bicycle compliments of the Gordon family, and special hand crafted awards for all category winners. The Mary Conry Memorial Award will be presented to the first JSRC member to finish. Mary was a member of the JSRC and the Saturday in the Park Race Committee. Sponsorship opportunities and donations for goodie bag items are still available. All sponsors will receive signage recognition and be highlighted in the event program. Individuals and companies may contact Penny Hinck, JSRC at (732) 571-2162 email: penny@saturdayinthepark5k.org. Jersey Shore Running Club is the largest running club in New Jersey with well over 1,500 members. Dedicated to both running and to the community, JSRC events support local community and charitable organizations. The club offers a variety of benefits including a monthly newsletter and an up-to-date website, www.jsrc.org. The JSRC offers the camaraderie of running with friends through its group runs. The club also offers a beginning running program for women to help them prepare to participate in the Saturday in the Park as their first 5K. For more information on Saturday in the Park 5K, please contact Penny Hinck at 732-542-6090 (JSRC Hotline), visit our website at www.saturdayinthepark5k.org, or pre-register in person at The Running Store, at The Grove in Shrewsbury.
press release ATLANTIC HIGHLANDS, NJ — The Society of Certified Insurance Counselors (CIC) recently recognized Gardiner Marek, of Gardiner Marek Agency, Atlantic Highlands, NJ, with a certificate honoring his 30 years of faithful participation in advanced education. Making CIC History by being among the first group of CICs to reach this 30-year milestone, Gardinerearned the designation through a series of examinations and has maintained his CIC designation by annual attendance at an approved CIC continuing education program. "The professional dedication and commitment represented by Gardinersets the standard within our industry," said Dr. William T. Hold, CIC, CPCU, CLU, President of the Society of CIC. "This 30-year accomplishment signifies a career of active involvement in advanced education. Gardiner'semphasis on professional development positively reflects on the insurance profession as a whole." The Society of CIC is a member of The National Alliance for Insurance Education & Research.This not-for-profit organization serves over 68,000 participants annually throughout all 50 states, the U.S. Virgin Islands, and Puerto Rico. The National Alliance is comprised of the Society of CIC, the Society of Certified Insurance Representatives (CISR), Certified Risk Managers International (CRM), and The National Alliance Research Academy. Together, these members of The National Alliance offer a wide variety of programs, publications, and professional designation opportunities in the insurance and risk management industries.
press release TRENTON, NJ — Catholic Charities, Diocese of Trenton recently announced the recipient of this year’s Monmouth County Light of Hope Award – R. Scott Garley, Esquire. The award will be presented at the agency’s annual Guardian Angel Dinner Dance on September 29, 2006 at the Hyatt Regency in Princeton. Chairman of the 2006 dinner is Senator Peter A. Inverso. This fundraising gala honors individuals for their commitment to serve the community’s poor and vulnerable. The dinner event will be held on September 29 from 6:30-11:30 pm at the Hyatt Regency in Princeton. Tickets are $175. For more information or to RSVP for the event, call (609) 394-5181, ext. 161.
“I am honored to recognize Scott’s dedication to helping Catholic Charities fulfill its mission to alleviate human suffering,” said Francis E. Dolan, executive director of Catholic Charities. “He has been a “light of hope” over the years to those we serve and is a shining person in many ways.” R. Scott Garley is a long-time member of the Monmouth County Advisory Board of Catholic Charities, Diocese of Trenton. During his tenure, he has been a major participant in and contributor to the initiatives and fundraising efforts of Catholic Charities and other charitable organizations. A lifelong resident of Monmouth County, Scott graduated from Holy Cross School in Rumson in 1970 and Christian Brothers Academy in Lincroft in 1974. He received his A.B. degree with honors from Colgate University in 1978, and his J.D. degree in 1981 from Fordham Law School where he was an Editor of the Fordham International Law Journal. Scott is the Administrative Director in charge of the New York Office of Gibbons, Del Deo, Dolan, Griffinger & Vecchione, P.C., one of New Jersey’s and the region’s largest law firms. He is a member of Gibbons’ Business and Commercial Litigation Group and the Chair of its Securities Litigation Team. He is also a member of the firm’s Executive Committee. Scott’s practice focuses primarily on securities and complex commercial litigation matters. He was recently selected as one of the Super Lawyers of New York for 2006. Scott has always been, and remains, very active in charitable, educational and community service programs in and around Monmouth County. In addition to his service on the Monmouth County Advisory Board for more than ten years, Scott is a Board Member and Past President of Spring House, a transitional home and educational program for homeless women and their children in Eatontown. He also is a Trustee of Christian Brothers Academy, a Board Member and Past President of the CBA Alumni Association, and a member of the President’s Club and Athletic Council of Colgate University. Scott also has been a major supporter of the AIDS Resource Foundation for Children, the Tuberous Sclerosis Alliance, the New Jersey Special Olympics and the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation, among other worthy causes. Scott resides in Little Silver with his wife Janet, his son Taylor, a sophomore at La Salle University, his daughter Jaime, a freshman at Providence College, and his son Scotty, a freshman at Christian Brothers Academy. “I have seen firsthand how the dedicated employees and volunteers of Catholic Charities carry out its mission and make a profound difference in the lives of the people they serve. I am also proud that of the large charitable organizations, Catholic Charities has always been among the leaders in ensuring that the highest percentage of funds raised through donations, grants and other sources.” said Scott Garley. “I am very grateful to Catholic Charities and to my colleagues on the Monmouth County Advisory Board for honoring me with the Light of Hope Award this year. I hope that my efforts will continue to support the good work of Catholic Charities and help bring the light of hope to those who need it most," said Scott Garley. press release Workforce issues to be discussed Sept. 29 at Branches FREEHOLD, NJ — In an effort to keep jobs and workers in Monmouth County, the Board of Chosen Freeholders is making preparations to hold the county’s first Economic Development Summit at Branches in West Long Branch this fall. “This exciting event will bring together all of our top business, government and civic leaders in a setting where the issues of employee relocation can be fully explored in order to gauge the impact that could have on our local economy and what we can do to prevent it,” said Freeholder Anna C. Little, who is working with the county’s Department of Economic Development and Tourism to coordinate the summit.
Recruiters are hard at work using advertisements and other enticements to lure workers away from Monmouth County, Little said. With Fort Monmouth scheduled to close in four years, she said there is a pressing need for county officials to work proactively to make sure other jobs are available in Monmouth County to replace the ones that will be lost when the fort relocates its operations to Aberdeen, Md. Fort Monmouth employs some 5,500 government and civilian workers, and is among the county’s largest employers. Fort employees who choose not to move will need to find jobs. “Monmouth County has one of the finest workforces in America,” said Bea M. Duffy, director of the county’s Department of Economic Development and Tourism. “It is among the best educated and most experienced and diverse. They create and produce some of the most advanced medical, computer and communications products in the world. Our challenge today is to keep them here.” Issues to be discussed by a six-member panel include the possible consequences of the fort’s closure, the aspects of the marketing program to protect the workforce and the opportunities for future growth in the area, Little said. James Hughes, dean of the Edward J. Bloustein School of Planning and Public Policy at Rutgers University, will be the guest speaker. Hughes is a highly regarded economist and author who specializes in New Jersey’s economy. “We need to create an effective program or programs to not only preserve high-paying jobs, but to attract new ones,” Little said. “Monmouth County has a lot to offer. We want business decision-makers everywhere to give us a close look then locate, expand or remain here.” The summit will be held Sept. 29 at Branches, 123 Monmouth Rd., West Long Branch. Invitations will be sent to Monmouth County’s business and civic leaders. A continental breakfast and lunch will be provided. For more information call the Department of Economic development and Tourism at (732) 431-7470. press release Junior Girl Scouts help Girl Scout Troops affected by Hurricanes FARMINGDALE, NJ — Junior Girl Scout Troops 85 and 389 completed their Bronze Award this year by helping victims in the Mississippi and Louisiana areas. The girls collected donations of supplies needed to complete Brownie try-its, and put together "Try-It Kits" that were shipped to Girl Scout troops in the affected area who requested them. These kits contained every item needed, from pencils to paint and paper, for the girls to earn a try-it during a meeting. The girls helped over 300 brownie Girl Scouts to earn over 550 try-its, many of whom had not been able to earn any badges since the hurricanes. The girls used the money raised by selling cookies to pay for the shipping.
We would like to thank the local businesses in our community for their generous support as well as the Hazlet Service Unit and its troops for their donations and support. Monmouth Council of Girl Scouts serves more than 12,000 girls throughout Monmouth and Northern Ocean Counties in conjunction with a dedicated group of nearly 4,000 adult volunteers. Monmouth Council of Girl Scouts gives girls the courage to shine and blossom into the leaders of tomorrow through leadership initiatives and activities in areas such as the arts, environment, finance, global awareness, health and fitness, math, nutrition, science, sports and technology. For more information, please visit our web site at www.mcgirlscouts.org.
press release FARMINGDALE, NJ — The International Barrel Racing Association held its NJ State Final Competition at Curry Farms in Farmingdale, NJ. There were 25 eligible riders who participated in the final competition, including Samantha Gove, who earned "Rookie of the Year - 2006".
Strong competition and hot weather played a major factor among the racing competition, but those who braved the heat were rewarded with a great day of barrel racing, which is becoming a more popular event among equestrian enthusiasts in New Jersey. The sport is one of speed and agility, both of the horse and rider as each race lasts less than twenty seconds. The object is to complete a course consisting of 3 "barrels" which the rider must successfully negotiate without knocking any barrels down. Winners are determined by the shortest time to complete the course without time penalities. Monmouth County served as the hosting seat for the competition given the strong presence of stables in the Monmouth County region. At 10:30AM, the final practice sessions were over and the competition began with the "open" division, followed by the youth and adult competitors. Speaking with IBRA Director Teresa Janwich, she stated that "the heat has caused some issues for the horses which must now be kept cool and hydrated." In addition, "some IBRA members who might have shown up for the event chose to not race in the heat." With the competition completed by 1:30PM, the winners were awarded their coveted prize money and specially designed belt-buckles worn only by IBRA Champions. The winning riders and their horses were: Louanne Mirro, on Lena, finishing in 15.945 seconds Director Janwich handed out prize money and the buckles as well as the "Rookie of the Year Award" after the scores were tallied and penalties assessed. Janwich also stated that "the finalists and other IBRA members are eager to travel to both Tennessee for the National Championships as well as Texas for the "East Meets West" IBRA World Championship competition." For additional information on the NJ Chapter of the IBRA, please contact Therese Janwich directly. Specific details regarding the IBRA may be found at http://www.ibra.us
press release Features “Multi-media Images” By Photographer Margaret Coston FREEHOLD, NJ — Brookdale Community College invites the public to view “Multi-media Images,” the latest photography exhibit by Holmdel photographer Margaret Coston at the Western Monmouth Branch Campus, 3680 Route 9 South, Freehold. Her show opens August 14 and will continue through September 29. Monday through Thursday exhibit hours will be 10:00 a.m. – 7:00 p.m. and Fridays from 10:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. The community is invited to a Meet the Artist reception Tuesday evening, September 19 from 5:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m. Coston’s work was selected to be shown at the 2006 Monmouth Council of the Arts’ Juried Show at the Monmouth Museum, Lincroft. She recently exhibited at the Middletown Township Public Library. She is currently studying with the New York Institute of Photography and is an official photographer for the NYIP magazine, Photo World. “I have been inspired by nature and all the loveliness around us in New Jersey. My travels to other states, especially Maine, led me to capture the gorgeous images through photography and in particular, through photo cards,” explained Coston. “We are excited to provide a venue to local emerging arts, enabling them to share their talents with our students and the community,” said Helen Z. Antholis, Director of the Western Monmouth Branch Campus. “We would like to hear from more former Brookdale student artists interested in showing their works,” she added. The Western Monmouth Branch Campus is located behind the Bank of America. The photographs will be on display in room 101. For more information regarding the reception and exhibit, call 732-625-7005.
press release Office is key to consolidating purchases, lowering costs and duplication FREEHOLD, NJ — Monmouth County Republican candidates Rosemarie Peters, Andrew Lucas, and Freeholder Anna Little today called for the creation of an office of shared services within the county improvement authority. “Monmouth County is already a leader in promoting shared services among its municipalities,” said Freeholder Anna Little, who is running for re-election. “Our improvement authority is a great example. Since becoming Freeholder, I've been looking for ways that to build on that success. In the absence of State aid, we must do all we can to assist municipal government by improving efficiencies and providing the most we can for every tax dollar.” Peters, Lucas, and Little said they would use county purchasing power to assist municipalities in acquiring vehicles, equipment, and supplies at a lower cost. They also are calling on more municipalities to make use of Monmouth County’s AAA bond rating, and the lower borrowing costs that towns can gain from the highest credit rating. “While serving on council in Manalapan, we were able to use the Improvement Authority’s pooled leasing program, saving the taxpayers thousands of dollars in bonding fees,” said candidate for Freeholder Andrew Lucas. “We are currently looking into increased cost sharing with our school district and surrounding towns.” All three candidates said they would draw in their experience as local office holders in developing this new office and outlining its function. “As a former councilwoman in the county’s largest municipality, I know first hand the struggles in balancing the cost of services and need for providing those services,” said Rosemarie Peters, candidate for Surrogate. “An office of shared service within the county improvement authority will go a long way toward consolidating services and keeping cost low by maximizing every taxpayer penny.” Peters, Lucas, and Little called for the creation of a county office of shared services, with existing budget dollars, to assist municipalities in making the best use of the cost savings available. The office of shared services would focus on group purchasing, efficiency, and the use of next generation technology. “With the current financial crisis facing the State, we know that we need to find new and expand existing efficiencies,” Freeholder Little said. “By creating this office, within an existing government entity, and without the need for additional tax dollars, we will be able to provide more and spend less tax dollars,” Freeholder Little concluded.
press release ATLANTIC HIGHLANDS, NJ — Bring your favorite covered dish and your appetite, and come mingle at the Atlantic Highlands Historical Society's annual Porch Supper on Wednesday, August 16th at 6:30 p.m. at the Strauss Mansion (27 Prospect Circle at the top of East Mount Avenue, Atlantic Highlands). This year we have a special treat - you've seen the bracing supports on the porch for the past several months, now come see them gone! Thanks in part to a grant from the Monmouth County Historical Commission, the Society began the task of replacing the deteriorating eleven-foot columns on the ground level porch of our 1893 Queen Anne-style house. Come "ooooh" and "aahhh" over our three spiffy new columns! And if that wasn't enough to marvel at - the summer sunset views from atop Prospect and East Mount avenues are sure to be spectacular, and the cool summer breezes will be blowing in off the bay. Have some supper and sit a spell, and imagine a time back at the turn of the 20th century when Adolph Strauss and his family relaxed on the wrap-around porch and discussed the matters of the day! We hope to see you there, but if you can't make it that day, stop by any Sunday from 1-4 p.m. when the Strauss Mansion is open for tours. Admission is free but donations are appreciated. Check our website for more information: http://www.atlantichighlandshistory.org or call 732-291-1861.
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TIME TO PURGE THIS ADMINISTRATION OF POLITICAL HACKS Even though August is a slow month, scandal rarely takes a vacation in New Jersey politics. And this time, New Jersey residents are so immune to ineptitude that the Board of Public Utilities latest woesbarely register a blip on the radar. Of course, the BPU's failute to monitor an $80 million account is peanuts compared to the expected tax increase that the Trenton Democrats have lined up for taxpayers in the coming months. In a report released earlier this week, a state audit report claims that the BPU's Office of Clean Energy had no financial oversight on how it spends ratepayer money. Each New Jersey customer pays anywhere from $10-$20 a year to promote renewable energy. Now most level headed residents would think that it is a worthy goal to explore renewable energy and willingly write the check. Unfortunately, that $10 check became another slush fund controlled by political operatives and they didn't even establish controls on how the money would be spent. It was just another slap in the face to residents that are already alienated with state government and bureacrats that are living off the public dime. What is most aggravating about the latest scandal is the fact that BPU President Jeanne M. Fox doesn't seem concerned. By why should she? As the wife of Democrat political consultant Steve DiMicco, she has plenty of cover. For starters, Ms.Fox has already made a "misstatement' when she said that an assistant attorney general attached to the Treasury Department signed off on the fund. Even more aggravating is Ms. Fox's claim that her appointment to the top job wasn't political, and that the public should believe that it is only a coincidence that her husband ran campaigns for former Governor McGreevey, Governor Corzine, and now Senator Robert Menendez. Give us a break. Ms. Fox may be a very competent administrator, but to say that her connections had absolutely nothing to do with her appointment is absurd. Perhaps, New Jersey residents could stomach another organization ripping off dollars at their expense, but not one who has such ties to the state Democrat organization. It is time that Governor Corzine purge these political hacks from his administration, because New Jersey residents are losing faith in his judgement awfully fast.
PUBLIC EDUCATION'S LOSING TEAM In New Jersey during the late ‘90s we knew a young woman who taught in a nearby town’s public schools. She was a bright, pleasant, nice-looking person – likeable and highly respected by parents and colleagues. Recently she had been honored as Teacher of the Year. One fall while we lived there she and her colleagues found that negotiations on their new contract with the school system were stalled. New Jersey is solidly union from way back, so the teachers felt comfortable (and justified) going out on strike and picketing for their demands. In retrospect, I believe none imagined this move might be controversial or that the public might not support it. My acquaintance received a rude education in union-politics, however, when parents she thought were her friends gave her a piece of their minds during the strike. Some shouted at her that she was “letting the kids down”. Others snubbed her. For the week of the strike, things were “very tense”. Afterwards, relationships were strained and some appeared permanently broken. All this left my acquaintance depressed and hurt. I heard her ask someone why parents didn’t consider the teachers’ contract “important”. Not having children herself, my acquaintance evidently didn’t realize that parents might be preoccupied with their children’s interests, not the teachers’. That strike – the town’s first – probably changed forever the easy relationship between public-school teachers and the townspeople who employed them. For one thing, it showed how far we are from those legendary schoolmarms who worked selflessly, at low pay, to help students. New Jersey public school teachers’ average pay in 2004 was $53,663 a year – 7th highest in the nation. Beginning NJ teachers averaged $37,000. Not big bucks, but not too shabby, either. This is not to argue that teachers are lavishly paid – simply to note that the “selfless” teacher-model of yore is way out of date. The question in that New Jersey town was whether teachers (and teachers’ unions) are truly committed to students’ welfare. In his 2005 article “The Public School Disaster” (1), retired Texas businessman Mike Ford answered it thus: “…educating our children is no longer the primary purpose of the public schools. Today their purpose is to employ 6 million people…It has been this way for at least 20 years. Legislators, the media, and the public may be confused on this issue, but the teachers unions are not.” As evidence, Mr. Ford cited the 1985 statement of Albert Shanker, president of the American Federation of Teachers: “When school-children start paying union dues, that’s when I’ll start representing the interests of school-children.” On the way to this significant “mission redefinition”, public education has laid aside a critical issue – the Great Unmentionable of public education: teacher-quality. In 1989 former Secretary of Education Bill Bennett addressed a management convocation at our firm. He described how he had talked with the superintendent of Chicago public schools about identifying and removing “substandard” teachers. With a wry grin he related how the superintendent insisted, “There are no substandard teachers in Chicago schools.” (Denial is not just a river in Egypt.) The public schools have many dedicated and capable teachers. Some are relatives, old classmates, neighbors, and friends. Many people will concur. They know “lots of good teachers”. There must be something else wrong with the schools. I had a hot discussion about this with old college classmates in New York state on a recent visit. The wife is a long-time teacher; their daughter is a teacher; and their son-in-law is a school principal. They bristled at any suggestion that teacher-quality might be a problem, insisting that they and all other teachers they know are “working as hard as we can”. “Administration and parents” were the true problem, they claimed. I can see their point. We often hear of contentious parents making a ruckus over grades and disciplinary matters. And school administrators sometimes seem obtuse. I read this week about Soon-Ja Kim, a popular third-grade teacher who has won numerous awards for excellence while teaching in a Rockville, Maryland, school for 23 years. Parents uniformly praise her, and her students achieve at high levels. Yet Montgomery County School officials are considering whether to terminate her because she speaks English with a heavy Korean accent. Mrs. Kim believes colleagues jealous of her successes complained to officials. A hearing will determine if she can continue teaching. (Bravo. Score one point to my New York friends.) But not so fast – let’s examine the claim that teachers are “working as hard as they can”. Suppose a Ford executive or a manager of a (losing) major league baseball team says that. How does it sound then? (“Absurd,” you say? I’m shocked.) Of course, it is absurd. In the Big Leagues, or in industries whose products (e.g., cars) nobody has to buy, how hard you are working – or say you are working – isirrelevant. Competitive enterprises can’t skate by on this. Most of us have to produce a good product that sells. Many folks who work extremely hard see their business fail. When a ball team is playing poorly, its managers scrutinize their roster. Is a quality player at each position? If not, can better players be found? Teams ruthlessly make trades and moves. A beloved player will be benched or even sent to the minors if he’s not producing. Horse-hockey about “how hard you’re trying” doesn’t cut it. (The fans will boo when you take the field.) Education doesn’t operate that way. This is a serious problem. Year after year the dismal reports keep coming about how poorly American students rank against students from other countries. Yet school budgets keep increasing. And it can take years and cost hundreds of thousands in legal fees to pry an ineffective teacher out of the classroom. It is almost impossible. Unions will fight like tigers to retain him. Many school systems simply give up and shuffle bad teachers from school to school whenever parents complain. The cost and effort of termination is too great. OK. So maybe there are a few bad apples in the barrel. But aren’t most teachers smart and competent? Emerging data cast doubt on this assumption. In her recent article, “Testing Teachers”, columnist Linda Chavez writes: “A recent study by the American Institutes for Research showed that education majors had the lowest levels of practical literacy among college students. When asked to evaluate the arguments in a newspaper opinion article… or summarize the results of an opinion survey, or compare credit card offers with different interest rates and fees, education majors score at the bottom of the class. [They] also have among the lowest SAT scores and do poorly on other measures of verbal and mathematical ability.” These data do not surprise me. When a close friend taught seminars for elementary-level math teachers a few years ago, one of the exercises required participants to write out a math problem in the form of text – i.e., a “word-problem”. She was horrified to see that only one or two teachers out of thirty could write a coherent paragraph that posed the problem. Most efforts had poor grammar, misspellings and incomprehensible wording. “It was pathetic,” she recalled. The No Child Left Behind Act now requires testing teachers for basic subject-matter competence as a minimal step toward ensuring teacher-quality. But wise drafters of the legislation recognized the need to “trust, but verify”. As it turns out, states’ competency testing varies widely. Miss Chavez reports that the Federal Department of Education has notified 34 states that “…their teacher testing had major problems and would be subject to mandatory oversight” under NCLB. Maine and Nebraska might lose federal funds because their teacher-testing programs failed federal standards. District of Columbia teachers can be certified if they score “…barely above the 20th percentile (i.e., the lowest one-fifth) on the Praxis test…used by 29 states to test who is fit to teach”. The 29 states aren’t much better, certifying teachers who score only above the bottom third of all those tested. Miss Chavez concludes: “It’s hard to imagine how students can perform better unless we ensure that teachers know the subject matter in the first place.” In an article last year – “Champion of Bright Children” – respected black columnist and Hoover Institution Senior Fellow Thomas Sowell noted that gifted American students fare very poorly in public schools. Their performance levels, he says, “lag behind foreign counterparts. Our brightest kids have been going downhill even faster than our average kids.” Dr. Sowell says gifted students are “…often resented by their classmates and teachers alike. Given the low academic records of most public school teachers, it is hard to imagine them being enthusiastic about kids so obviously brighter than they were – and often brighter than they are. Gross neglect of gifted students in our public schools is the old story of the dog in the manger.” These devastating critiques of public education are reinforced by Manhattan Institute findings that only 72% of female students and 65% of male students graduated from American high schools in 2003. (2) (Black males 55%; Hispanic males 53%.) Social analysts say high school dropouts are a drain on society because of wasted potential, low wages, poorer purchasing power, lower income taxes paid, and a greater draw on welfare and other public benefits. Are teachers and teachers’ unions to blame for this whole mess? Maybe not. But they aren’t innocent, either. During my wife’s masters degree internship at a Maryland public school she met a brilliant young teacher who “went far beyond the minimum requirements” with her class of third graders. Parents and administrators loved her, but her colleagues hated her because she made them look mediocre. (They were.) They made her professional life so miserable that she finally left. (So much for everyone pulling together and working as hard as possible.) We need accurate, objective evaluations of teaching skills that can ensure retention of good teachers. Yes, we can see if teachers have been effective (or not) at the close of students’ twelve-year public school education. But this is like finally seeing, in 2018, how the Yankees did in the 2006 season. At that time-remove you can’t tell who did what (or didn’t do it), and it’s too late to correct anything. More immediate measurements are needed. Although teacher-testing is barely a start, teachers’ unions are fighting it furiously. (Al Shanker would say teacher-quality isn’t his concern – only teachers’ jobs.) Some educators believe school-competition, via vouchers, could stop public education’s long slide. It shows promising results in some locales. Private schools are usually not unionized. They seem to have a greater interest in finding and retaining teachers of high quality. Their students do well. But big media have joined the campaign to distort data and smear the vouchers-effort. Obtaining genuine school choice for all children will be a long, difficult struggle – a war, really, against the entrenched forces of public education and teachers’ unions. Teachers who have read this piece might be mad at me for being unfair. I’m sorry, but not apologetic. The world outside public education is a tough place. I have known many people who worked their hearts out in a business, but it failed and they lost a lot of money. (How fair was that?) Some failed because they lacked sufficient skill at the work. Their product wasn’t good enough. Public education has many problems. I’m not sure what all the solutions should be, but something must change. The public is right to insist on it. The team ain’t winnin’. *******
(2) From the report “Leaving Boys Behind”: http://www.manhattan-institute.org/html/cr_48.htm
COUNCIL MEETING 7/26/06 This past Wednesday July 25 there was a regular monthly meeting of our Keansburg Borough Council. My first surprise for the night was finding out that the meeting was preceded by a special meeting that started at 5 PM for the purposes of having an executive session. I did not see this special executive session advertised anywhere including the bulletin boards on the side of our borough hall. I guess lack of meeting change notification to the public in our town is nothing new. There was at least one more surprise (if you chose not to believe the rumors) to come during this meeting. First, let me say there were 21 resolutions on the agenda for the start of the meeting. No action was taken on 3 resolutions and three resolution we added as a result of discussions during the meeting. There was also and in depth presentation, discussion and public question session about the proposed redevelopment of the municipal parking lot on Beachway. Additionally there was an update from the auditor and the CFA given during this meeting. I will cover this presentation and the update in a future article. I want to cover resolution 117A in detail. Well at least as much detail as I have since I had to take care of a few phone calls and leave the meeting early. Resolution 117 A was the appointment of our borough attorney. John Bennett replaced our previous borough attorney Mike Hanus because of council action on resolution 117A. Councilperson George Hoff tried to do what I view as the correct action and reappoint Mike Hanus. His motion to do so died on the floor for lack of a second. Resolution 117A was approved by a vote of four in favor and one opposed. For those who do not know I will provide some history before I go on with a few questions of my own. When the new council majority was elected back in 2004 they appointed one of their own, Mike Hanus as our borough attorney. He was appointed the first year by a vote of 3 in favor and 2 opposed. I was one of the two who opposed his first appointment. The three in favor was our current Mayor Lisa Strydio, Deputy Mayor Drew Murray and councilperson George Hoff. I opposed the first year citing during my vote his lack of experience as a borough attorney. However, the new majority voted and Mike Hanus was the new borough attorney in 2004. During his first year in office he save our taxpayers literally hundreds of thousands of dollars. He accomplished this awesome task by working out a settlement in the matter of the three suspended officers. He also worked out a deal to have the insurance company cover some of the expenses. So the second year, 2005, when he was appointed to office again I voted for that appointment based on his job performance during his first year in office. He also by the second year had gained the experience as a municipal attorney that he lacked. Unfortunately, I had to leave the meeting before the open public portion so I did not have the opportunity to ask my questions. I heard from others at the meeting that Chris Hoff did a great job in covering some of the questions I would have asked. I do have some additional questions however and I was hoping that perhaps our mayor or deputy mayor could answer. You both know how to contact me. Lisa and Drew, why change our attorney now after he gained two years of experience at the benefit of our taxpayers? What is it that Mike did to deserve his lack of support now by the both of you? Why appoint John Bennett now? Why take John Bennett’s focus from our schools and give him another job to handle in our borough? I have my own opinions as to the answers to some of these questions and it seems some political pressure or political payback came into play here. Now on to the rest of the resolutions acted upon during this meeting. Unless otherwise noted the action on these appointments was just a reappointment to the positions. Resolution 117B was the appointment of our borough engineers Birdsall Engineering. Once again, there was some dissention on the council about this appointment and it passed only by a vote of three in favor and two opposed. Drew Murray and Lisa Strydio also opposed this appointment for reasons unknown and not discussed during the meeting. Resolution 117C was the appointment of our borough auditors. All five members of the council voted affirmatively for this appointment. Resolution 117D was the appointment of our borough bond counsel. All five members of the council voted affirmatively for this appointment. Resolution 117E was the appointment of a special redevelopment attorney. All five members of the council voted affirmatively for this appointment. Resolution 117F was the appointment of an environmental engineer. All five members of the council voted affirmatively for this appointment. Resolution 117G was the appointment of our borough prosecutor. All five members of the council voted affirmatively for this appointment. Resolution 117H was the appointment of our borough public defender. All five members of the council voted affirmatively for this appointment. Resolution 117I was the appointment of a conflict counsel; this resolution was tabled for possible action at a later meeting. Resolution 117J was the appointment of a special labor counsel for our borough. All five members of the council voted affirmatively for this appointment. Resolution 117K was the appointment of a special counsel for tax matters; this resolution was tabled for possible action at a later meeting. Resolution 117L was the appointment of a special counsel for workman’s compensation; this resolution was tabled for possible action at a later meeting. Resolution 117M was for the authorization of a redevelopment zone. All five members of the council voted affirmatively for this appointment. I will have more to say on this in a future article. Resolution 115 was for the approval of the designated redevelopers Sterling Properties and Millennium Development. Four council members voted in favor of this resolution with our Deputy Mayor Drew Murray abstaining. One does wonder why he abstained. Perhaps this is a question for a future meeting. Resolution 116 was for line item budget transfers again resulting from the closing of our fiscal year. All five members of the council voted affirmatively on this resolution. Resolution 118 was the approval of the regular monthly payment of bills. All five members of the council voted affirmatively on this resolution. Resolution 119 was for the approval of an interlocal agreement with the Keansburg Housing Authority and resolution 119 A was for the execution of that agreement. All five members of the council voted affirmatively on these two resolutions. Resolution 120 was for person-to-person transfer of the liquor license for Sheehan’s Liquors. I do not remember hearing a vote on this item and it may have been one of the times I had to take a phone call. Resolution 121 was for person-to-person transfer of the liquor license for DJ’s Bar on Beachway. Neither the current owner nor the new owner attended the meeting. However, an attorney representing the proposed new owner was at the meeting. He fielded a variety of questions from the council and the public about the proposed transfer. The questions centered mostly on the appearance of the building, the noise when it was open and the antics of the former patrons. This resolution failed by a vote of three opposed and two in favor. I apologize, as I did not note the names for this vote. Resolution 122 was for the approval of a redevelopment plan for parts of Main Street, parts of Carr and Raritan Avenues and the Route 36 Gateway Redevelopment plan. These plans were all discussed in a previous “Spotlight on Keansburg” Column. This resolution passed with all five councilpersons voting affirmatively. The following three resolutions were not on the original agenda but were added during the meeting: Resolution 123 was the acceptance of the bid and choice of an option plan for the construction of the skate park. This is the second round of bidding on this project. According to information given during the meeting, there is a total grant of 131,200 dollars available for the construction. Option three was accepted with a total cost of $129,440. This option provides for 5 of the original 6 items that were to be installed. The additional item would have added $14,000 dollars to the cost of the project and it will not be installed at this time. All five members of the council voted affirmatively on this resolution. Resolution 124 was the awarding of a contract to Fiore Construction for the skate park. All five members of the council voted affirmatively on this resolution. Resolution 125 was for the rejection of all bids for the replacement of water well number three. All bids were over the estimates. The low bid while also over the estimate was disqualified due to a paperwork technicality. All five members of the council voted affirmatively on this resolution. There were also reports given to the council from some departments during this meeting but due to the length of this article I will cover those at a future date. Regular Council Meeting – The next regularly scheduled meeting of the Keansburg Borough Council will be July 26, 2006 at 6 PM in Borough Hall. All of the regular monthly meetings of the Keansburg Borough Council are held on the fourth Wednesday of each month at 6 PM unless otherwise announced. Upcoming town events and announcements Concerts by the Bay – I would like to remind everyone that the summer Concerts by the Bay will continue each Thursday in August starting at 7 PM on the big lot at the corner of Raritan and Beachway. The bands and schedule is as follows: AUGUST 3 THE GREASEBAND EMS Cadets Benefit Concert by the Bay – On Sunday August 20 there will be a specil benefit edition of Concerts by the Bay. The proceeds from this concert will go to the benefit of the Keansburg EMS Cadets. The concert will begin at 3 PM at Baywalk East (foot of Main Street and will feature the Moira Turner Band. Bracelets will be sold for food beverages and other items along with a 50/50 for the adults. Bracelets will cost 10 dollars for adults and 5 dollars for children. For more information, contact Captain Jim Falco at 732-787-2787. Please help spread the word about this benefit by telling all of your friends, Relatives and neighbors. Meeting Reminders The Keansburg Planning and Zoning board meets on the first Monday of each month at 7 PM in Borough Hall. Usually a workshop meeting begins at 6:30 PM. All meetings are open to the public. You can also check the municipal website at: http://www.keansburgboro.com. Please be advised that the Keansburg Hispanic Heritage Society meets on the first Tuesday of each month at 7:30 PM in the United Methodist Church located at 21 Church Street in Keansburg. Please help to spread the word of this organization and the regular monthly meetings by telling all of your relatives, friends and neighbors. KASA meetings are held on the third Monday of each month at 7 PM at the New Point Comfort fire company building. This group needs volunteers from our community and if you are interested in helping please attend one 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. Please make note that the Keansburg Board of Education usually meets on the fourth Tuesday each month at 7 PM in the teachers lounge at the J. R. Bolger School. These meetings always open to the public. You can check the meeting schedule on the following link: http://www.keansburg.k12.nj.us/BoardMeetings.php. Please note that the regular monthly meetings of the Keansburg Borough Council are held on the fourth Wednesday of each month at 7 PM in Borough Hall. The new Keansburg Waterfront Public Library has a web site. 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.
‘ENVIRONMENTALISM’ HIJACKED BY THE FAR LEFT I wrote my first newspaper pollution investigation for the North Jersey Herald-News in 1960. It was on the appalling destruction of the Saddle River, a once serene stream that wound its way through Bergen County, a suburban bedroom community for North Jersey residents serving the New York City media, financial and insurance centers. As a fledgling reporter/columnist, I saw what the invasion of industrialism could do to our natural environment. The Saddle River was the vulnerable recipient of chemicals, garbage, litter, sewage. . . you name it, you could find it in this once pristine waterway. I was 22 years old then. There were no local, state or federal laws regulating air or water pollution. That all came about in 1969-70, with the creation of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection (DEP), and the municipal Environmental Commissions. I served on the Eatontown, NJ Environmental Commission in the 1970s while working as The Newark Star-Ledger’s Environmental Editor and Columnist (1969-1996). In the beginning, the environmental movement was led by nonpartisan leaders such as President Theodore Roosevelt, the father of the original “conservation” movement. It was a fiscally conservative Democrat from the State of Washington (Henry “Scoop” Jackson) who introduced legislation known as NEPA – the National Environmental Policy Act that led to the creation of EPA. In 1972, I wrote a book with Senator Jackson titled “Land” for McGraw-Hill publications. (Republican President Nixon signed NEPA into law – a Republican and Democrat working together.) Jackson ran for President in the Democrat primaries in 1976, but was beaten in the Pennsylvania primary by a peanut farmer from Georgia named Jimmy Carter. Carter won and was a one-term President because of his policies that led to double-digit inflation and double-digit unemployment. That was the beginning of the transformation of the conservation movement to the liberal environmental movement. From then on, the Far Left passed so many costly rules and regulations that America’s industries starting to flee the United States for more friendly economic environments off-shore. The liberals created a radical atmosphere that brought on the protests against industry, nuclear power plants, and just about everything that had to do with excessive environment controls of our nation’s economic system. In a word, “Capitalism.” The Democrats of Senator Jackson’s party moved from liberalism, to socialism, Marxism and, yes, even communism. That all gave birth to political losers such as Al Gore and John Kerry, all victims of the liberalism and socialism. This all leads to what’s happening in the corrupt State of New Jersey. The President of New Jersey’s Board of Public Utilities is Jeanne M. Fox, former Region II EPA Administrator (New York/NJ metro region) and former Commissioner of the NJ DEP, both appointments by two super-liberal governors of New Jersey. Fox is now caught up in a big $80 million scandal having to do with the BPU’s secret “Clean Energy Program,” which collects $10 to $20 a year from each customer’s power bills to provide “education, information and financial incentives for renewable energy systems and energy efficient measures.” The State Treasury’s investigation has found that BPU administrators, led by foxy Jeanne Fox, handed out money to friends and Democrat cronies, including at least two Corzine appointees. Fox’s husband, Steve DiMicco, a top New Jersey Democrat operative, ran campaigns for ex-Governor James McGreevey, who resigned in disgrace after he admitted he was having a sexual relations with his Homeland Security chief. DiMicco is now directing the U.S. Senate campaign for Senator Robert Menendez (D-NJ). Ironically, as Fox and her husband moved farther and farther to the Left, I moved to the Right, touting the conquests of Ronald Reagan and Newt Gingrich, the Republican who became Speaker of the House of Representatives with his brilliant “Contract With America” in 1994, the first time in 40 years Republicans took control of the House. Personally, I was a good friend of Steve DiMicco when we were building our careers together, he in the political Democrat circles, myself as the leading environmental journalist and commentator in New Jersey. I even wrote a novel and used Steve as one of the central characters in that novel. Now he and his wife are being swept away by the radical Left that’s destroying America and its traditions and all our great flag stands for: Liberty, Freedom, Opportunity, Family Values, Religion, and God. It’s a shame that friendships have to end this way.
ANOTHER STRATEGY TO SAVE PLOVERS AT SANDY HOOK Last l week I informed you that due to the progressively low productivity of the Piping Plover (Charadius melodus) population at Sandy Hook, the National Park Service (NPS) is in the initial stages of planning for an updated Endangered Species Management Plan for Sandy Hook. The existing management plan at Sandy Hook was prepared in 1992 and does not reflect the recent wane of the Piping Plover population, and does not include conservation measures for new listed species as the Northeastern Beach Tiger Beetle (Cincindela dorsalis dorsalis), and the Seabeach Amaranth (Amaranthus pumilus).
Furthermore, I informed you that the NPS was seeking public input, comments, suggestions, on any issues you may have regarding updating the Endangered Species Management Plan for Sandy Hook. Unfortunately, as it turned out, the contact information that I provided and that was included in an official press release by the NPS was incorrect. This surprised and unsettled me, because if the NPS cannot even manage public information in their own press releases, then how can they be expected to properly manage an endangered or threatened species recovery program. Here is yet another example that the NPS folks at Sandy Hook cannot totally be entrusted to provide the right information. One would think, however, that when it comes to the protection of the federally threatened Piping Plover, they would at least send out an additional press release to inform the public of the correct information. I want to thank fellow environmentalist, Carole Balmer, for her letter to the Atlantic Highlands Herald editor last week that updated us on the correct contact information. It seems that comments should have been addressed to the following below email addresses. Although the deadline of July 30 has passed, I encourage you to continue to send your comments to these email addresses, especially if you feel strongly about the protection of endangered and threatened species: Moreover, Carole suggested in her letter last week and I agree that you should send a copy of your letter to our Federal/State elected officials to inform them of your thoughts regarding the National Park Service's methods for seeking public comment and for managing endangered and threatened species. Please copy and paste your comments in /at the suggested following links http://www.state.nj.us/cgi-bin/governor/govmail/govmail_1.pl http://holt.house.gov/contact.shtml http://menendez.senate.gov/contact/contact.cfm http://lautenberg.senate.gov/contact/ http://www.house.gov/pallone/contact.shtml or contact the elected representative of your choice. Below is a copy of a letter I sent last week to the correct email addresses that expresses the concerns and questions I have regarding the protection of the Piping Plover. I share this letter with you in hopes that more people will become aware of the complex nature of protecting animals in a largely urban coastal environment of the northern Jersey Shore, and that perhaps there will be a better coordinated approach put in place by federal government officials at Sandy Hook to help monitor and safeguard the breeding population of the tiny Piping Plover, a characteristic species of the Jersey Shore. Dear Superintendent/ Gateway National Recreation Area, Sandy Hook Unit It has come to my attention that the National Park Service (NPS) has requested public input on issues about updating the Endangered Species Management Plan for Sandy Hook. I understand that in 1986, the Atlantic Coast Piping Plover population was listed as threatened in the United States. In 1984, the Piping Plover was listed as an Endangered Species in New Jersey. The Piping Plover is also listed as endangered in nearby states including Maine, New York, New Hampshire, Maryland, and Pennsylvania. In July of 2005 the Asbury Park Press reported that the number of nesting plover pairs at Sandy Hook in 2005 stood at only 22, the lowest since 1991. Just 14 chicks fledged from the Sandy Hook population. In response to consistently low and declining productivity of the Piping Plover population at Sandy Hook, the National Park Service (NPS) is in the initial stages of planning for an updated Endangered Species Management Plan for Sandy Hook. The management plan will include conservation measures for the Piping Plover (Charadius melodus), as well as the Northeastern Beach Tiger Beetle (Cincindela dorsalis dorsalis), and the Seabeach Amaranth(Amaranthus pumilus). All three species are listed as "threatened" by the USFish and Wildlife Service under the federal Endangered Species Act (ESA). The stated goal of this project is to provide an updated conservation plan that will protect habitat and increase the population of all three species listed as threatened by US Fish and Wildlife Service. I believe it is in the best interest of all three threatened species and the residents of Monmouth County for increased public hearings to be conducted on the scope of this project. It has been my experience that very often government projects are undertaken will only limited public review, participation, or little sensitivity to the future needs of endangered or threatened species, or to the needs of the community surrounding these species. I truly believe that any program designed to protect endangered and threatened species will only be successful if a majority of local residents are well informed and sympathetic of the actions. As of this date, there has been very limited public information about updating the Endangered Species Management Plan for Sandy Hook. Indeed, the July 13, 2006 open house at Fort Hancock that was intended to educate the public about the plan was poorly advertised and not sufficiently made known to local residents. Information does exist to explain if there will be another meeting, perhaps during a time when more people can attend, such as a weekend. One is not able to find any information at the NPS website on the management plan, nor is anyone able locate information that the NPS is seeking comments to update the plan for Sandy Hook. When you submit a request for documents/information at http://parkplanning.nps.gov/thankYouRequest.cfm?parkID=237, an error occurs. With no information available on the NPS website and only minimal literature offered at the solitary "open house,'' it is difficult for the public to know exactly what they are expected/asked to comment on and to support. Thus, there is a strong need for more public information and comments on the plan. Specifically for the Piping Plover, I would suggest that if the NPS is truly serious about increasing the breeding population of this species, then the park service should look into creating a comprehensive plan that mixes public education with improved land use polices. A major part of plan should advocate for the protection of the entire coastal ecosystem in as natural a state as possible. We need to protect the natural quality of the coastal beaches and tidelands, which serves as important habitat for the plover. It is on these coastal ocean beaches that the birds will nest and raise their young. Most of the coastline in the northern part of the Jersey Shore is over-developed. Thus, much of the remaining plover habitat lies in publicly owned parkland, such as Sandy Hook. While this does afford the birds a certain amount of protection, it also places them in direct competition with humans on the beach. An important conservation strategy will be to close off certain ocean beach areas entirely during the breeding season to allow adults and chicks to forage for food of marine worms, insects, and tiny crustaceans near the water without fear of being under duress by the beach-going public. Unlike many birds, Piping Plovers do not feed their chicks. Within hours of hatching, the young leave the nest to follow their parents in search of food, running along the shoreline, foraging for insects and other marine invertebrates. Disturbance significantly decreases birds' abilities to produce young and can also prevent birds from feeding and gaining the fat necessary to take care of themselves, their young, and for their migrations. Hence, any proper management plan for Piping Plovers must include closing off entire sections of certain beaches to the public during the breeding season. Beaches free of human disturbance will provide a safer habitat for these tiny birds. In addition, the park service must look again at the issue of garbage management, specifically the “carry in, carry out” policy at Sandy Hook. Improving the garbage management policy at Sandy Hook so diminutive amounts of garbage exist on the beach will better enhance the habitat for the Piping Plover. Since food attracts gulls, foxes, raccoons, and skunks that prey on plover eggs and chicks, a cleaner beach will better safeguard the plovers. A management plan for the Piping Plover at Sandy Hook must include a goal of increasing public education and awareness about the Piping Plover and its habitat. Other related conservation strategies should included: 1) Increased predator control by uses of fences to deter raccoons and foxes from eating the eggs, not just symbolic fencing of twine and poles, but real wire fences that discourage mammals from entering. 2) Banning the flying of kites near nesting areas. Plovers mistake them for predators and leave their nests to ward off the “intruders.” 3) Beach raking or mechanical beach cleaning must be temporarily stopped, because the birds and chicks feed off small invertebrates that occur in the wrack line. 4) Increased educational signage to inform the public about the ecology of the Piping Plover and the threats to its long-term survival. I hope there will always be enough good ocean beach habitat protected for Piping Plovers to thrive at Sandy Hook and that a proper management plan will be in place that will guarantee their future. Sincerely, J. Reynolds
WHAT ARE YOU LOOKING AT? I’ve noticed over the course of my life that people tend to be very curious about what other people are eating. I remember the first time this facet of human behavior abruptly came into my awareness. Decades ago I was eating my home-brought lunch in the employee cafeteria when a coworker happened by, bent over, and practically stuck her face into my plate in order to decipher what I was eating. I responded with “Do you mind?” to which she sarcastically retorted “No, I don’t.” This woman was almost as bad as the one who had issues with the olive oil on pizza and would dab it with napkins before eating it. But in typical neurotic fashion, she would uninvitingly do so to everyone else’s slice as well. Maybe you can relate to this situation. Have you ever passed people in the hallway, maybe between the microwave and your office, and they peer at your plate and seem compelled to comment on it? “Looks good!” “Smells good!” “Going off the diet today huh?” Or maybe they approach you wherever you may be eating with stares and questions. “Whatcha got today?” “Oh you eat really healthy huh? “Counting carbs?” Or worse yet…….“Ooooh, can I try some?” A similar scenario plays out in restaurants every day, namely, the diner who must scan the plates of people at other tables. Granted, individuals are curious about the menu items and having a visual aid may facilitate their choice. Nevertheless, few people appreciate being glared at while immersed in their meal. Besides, I don’t think menu curiosity explains this behavior in every instance. I remember in high school there were a number of my fellow students who were quite observant of what other kids were having for lunch. Usually this was performed in the service of uncovering something to tease them about. I recall one kid who relished hiding dead flies in other kid’s sandwiches. In any event, whatever the aberration, they were nonetheless vigilant of other’s nourishment. I’m somewhat befuddled as to why people are so nosey about what other people are eating. I suspect there are a variety of motivations, the specifics of which, and the combinations of which, vary from individual to individual. As stated, for the high-schoolers it was simple malevolence. For others it might be self-doubt. Insecure folks look to the external world for guidance as to how to act. Maybe they’re apprehensive of what type of food or serving size is appropriate for a given situation and seek direction. Paranoids search for information about others to assess ulterior motives. Anxious individuals may use your lunch as a social lubricant. Passing someone in the hallway triggers their self-consciousness and social anxiety. Commenting on your plate of Buffalo wings gives them a momentary ice-breaker. Some folks may be operating on simple human curiosity combined with a dose of egocentrism. Consumed by their own inclinations and indifferent to the feelings of others, they stick their face in your plate with impunity. And of course there’s always the food neurotics, like the woman with the pizza, who will breech boundaries because of their insufferable food issues. Yes, the reasons for humans’ curiosity in others’ food inevitably are arcane, complex, and possibly unknowable. But I think I can offer a hypothesis about why some of us find their nosiness so objectionable. Eating is a very personal experience. Despite the fact that eating is an integral part of countless interpersonal events, there is still something private about eating. When we eat we are engaged in an engrossing, intimate relationship; sensually pleasing and life preserving. Eating feeds our bodies and our souls, and offers a pleasurable respite from the demands of life. Even though we may be sharing the experience with others, there remains a significant part of the process unique to our inner world. Instinctively we have a natural reaction to any imposition upon that inner sanctum. Think about how it feels when the phone rings during dinner, someone interrupts your lunch break, or any distraction occurs mid-meal. There’s a visceral reaction of annoyance or displeasure. We all know this and although mealtime consideration is a waning courtesy in our culture, it still manifests itself in our social graces. We endeavor not to bother people when they are eating and we apologize if we do. We put off calling friends until after the dinner hour. We implicitly understand that there is something sacred about meal time. Thus, having someone even momentarily poke their nose in our dish is enough to register on our internal irritation meter. Europeans have an even greater respect for meal periods. It is not uncommon for businesses to close for a couple of hours midday so that lunch can be savored unfettered by the trappings of modern life. What a contrast to the countless Americans whose bottom-line focused employers expect them to take a “working” lunch or no lunch break at all. The point is that European culture offers a prime example of how our relationship with food is appreciated and revered. I suspect the average European would be less inclined to put his nose in your plate than the average New Yorker, precisely because of the heightened respect he has for food and mankind’s relationship with it. Therein lies the crucial differentiator. What separates the bulls in the china shop from the cows glancing from afar is that the cows have an additional set of values cohabitating with their food curiosity. Be it respect for the food, respect for mealtime, or propriety regarding interpersonal space and boundaries, they restrain their curiosity, or whatever other internal impulses, from overriding their manners. Food can be a vehicle for either bonding with others or intruding upon them. Refraining from the latter is the ultimate expression of table manners.
Series on Taking A Break: EVERYONE NEEDS A BREAK It’s summer. The rhythm in your office is probably slower accordingly. Requests may take longer because people are out of the office. The pace of calls and emails is not as frenetic. You may even find time for lunch again. This is good because everyone needs a break. Think beyond the two-week annual summer vacation. Plan for daily, weekly and monthly rituals: daily time for reflection; weekly time for planning, catching up with friends or a favorite hobby; monthly time for a longer escape, perhaps a long weekend out-of-town. Definitely take longer breaks as well. It takes a few days just to settle into the new routine of a vacation, so you want to have longer rest periods as well as short ones. Longer breaks are most beneficial if you are truly away, so eliminate the check-in calls to work. You will have a staff that realizes you trust them and that learns to work independently. If you can’t break away for a week or two but you like that idea, then you know you have to develop your staff differently or otherwise rework your job. Take a break in your daily routine. You don’t have to go away to get away. Vacationing at home is a cheaper alternative but still can feel like a break. Get a housecleaner. Eat out or order in for each meal. Experience your city like a tourist – take the double-decker tour, visit the museums, take in a show or local sports team. Build in a smooth return. Try a vacation mid-week to mid-week: Thursday to Wed; or Friday to Thursday. You get two shorter weeks. You return during the slower part of the week, so you have more time to clear out the email overflow and get your work rhythm back. Caroline Ceniza-Levine is an Associate Director in HR at a Fortune 500 media company, an adjunct professor of Professional Development at Columbia University, and a life coach. Caroline can be reached at 212-502-8593 or at her website at www.thinkasinc.com.
YES, BUT . . . Why do we erect such strong barriers to change? Why are we resistant to making any profound change in our thoughts and attitudes, the stuff we mistakenly think is we, the stuff we’ve invested a lifetime in forming? Is it really our own stuff or did most of it come from outside of us? We are wedded to the status quo of what may turn out to be our shackles. This is the marriage where divorce doesn’t happen easily. But the cruelty that goes on within its psyche, melded from that union, is sometimes off the scale. Let’s pretend that someone we know begins embarking on an uncomplicated path -- a way that supports a stress-free life. Let’s even suppose that this person is irrefutably living more contently than before, lacking nothing except the struggle that the rest of us must endure. Would we venture to predict that our happy person would be vilified by many in our society? Would he be denounced, and proclaimed to be a dope that is "living in a fool’s paradise." Even the proof that his happiness is real would be considered just his random ‘good luck.’ The answer to any challenge to try that sort of lifestyle is, of course, "Yes, but. . ." Why does ‘but’ always limit our commitment to try happiness, even as an experiment? Do we understand our entrenchment in misery, or do we just acknowledge that we reside there and somehow must be inescapably locked into it? This is not a fair assessment, I concede, because many, many people have achieved happiness or at least some degree of happiness. Even so, the signs of such tremendous stress are all about us. Stress of our jobs, the stress of money, the stress of illness, the stress of unwise eating, and bound by the myriad stresses which so often result in all kinds of rage. When I flipped through Bertrand Russell’s book on what is required to achieve happiness, I wondered whether it was a generational difference that made his ideas seem so superficial, or whether it was the basic reasoning that was flawed. Little attention was given to making any profound change in the unwise investment we have painstakingly made in the direction of our thoughts, attitudes and actions. This investment is what is known as Ego. It is no small investment. It is the investment of a lifetime. But suppose it is proven to be a foolish investment. Suppose it is shown to be an investment that has lost friends, money, all sorts of good fortune, and finally one’s good health? I am not predicting; I am just supposing. Suppose many of the acknowledged experts are wrong? Or suppose they’re just wrong in their approach? Ego is necessary, they will say. Or are they just calling it by the wrong name. Should they be saying "Self-esteem?" We know lots of people who are brimming over with Ego, but they have little self-esteem. Their Ego is trying hard to overcome that lack by constantly shooting itself in the foot. Self-esteem puts an unruly Ego in place. Self-esteem does not need always to be right, to be smarter, or to be more accomplished. Self-esteem gives its owner pleasure in the celebration of another’s accomplishments. It erases envy. It nourishes the quality of forgiveness, for only the Ego is grudging. Just as each build-up of Ego brings stress and angst, each discovery of self-esteem releases stress and magnifies a truer person. There is a way to break the barrier of resistance to change. As one might have known all along, it is the path of least resistance. It promises to release instant treasures as well as yet untold treasures for us. There is no way we can change anyone around us without changing ourselves first. Just feel the unimpeded flow of energy. It promises to carry us everywhere.
COME ONE, COME ALL TO THE 12TH ANNUAL CLAM FESTIVAL I know that I can not believe that a year has passed and the Borough of Highlands and the Highlands Business Partnership is gearing up for yet again another successful Clam Festival. You can sense the excitement as the rides and carnival games roll into town. Highlands will host four straight days of entertainment, food vendors and craft vendors as well. Below is the schedule of events for this year Clam Festival: Thursday, August 3rd Friday, August 4th 6-11PM Saturday, August 6th 12-11PM Sunday, August 6th 12-8PM If you have any questions regarding this even, please feel free to call the Highlands Business Partnership at 732.291.4713 or log onto www.highlandsnj.com Hope to see you all there! Rebecca Kane is a member of the HHRS School Board and a former councilwoman for the Borough of Highlands. '03-'06
DIABETIC NEEDS KNEE REPLACEMENT You can't help but root for 60-year-old Sharon, an Internet reader of this weekly column, who continues fighting to improve her health despite her personal history. She has had a lifelong weight control problem that likely contributed to her developing type 2 diabetes, and the last few years especially her being overweight has been aggravating a badly arthritic left knee. With diabetes relatively under control with regular insulin shots, her arthritic knee has been her biggest challenge. It almost always hurts. “Nobody realizes that a step from the curb onto the street can seem like an insurmountable challenge to someone like me,” said Sharon in a telephone interview. “I'm scared to death sometimes because I'm afraid of falling.” Recently, she moved to a new home without stairs. Although still able to navigate the three steps inside her old home, she knew it simply “was a matter of time” before she couldn't. She also has a lot of difficulty getting in and out of cars, and rising from a chair. When young, she remembers a doctor saying she likely had a thyroid condition causing her persistent weight gain. About ten years ago she had gastric bypass surgery to limit her food intake and quickly lost 90 pounds. But over the years she slowly gained back every pound and a doctor recommended against her having the operation a second time due to her age. She said, “I've always been heavy and have had to make allowances for it. I notice it most while flying airplanes when I have to ask for a different seat belt because of my weight. Some seat belts you have to pull all the way out and they're still not big enough.” To fix her arthritic knee, an orthopedic surgeon strongly suggested she first lose a good deal of weight before having a total knee replacement. So now she is trying with all her might, for the umpteenth time, and to start has shed 20 pounds. “I joined a weight loss clinic,” she said. “In the past I've tried all kinds of weight loss, about everything in the book. This is the first time there has ever been any light at the end of the tunnel because I never feel hungry.” Let's root for her to lose that extra weight, receive her knee replacement, and return to work full-time. For more, see danieljvance.com or www.diabetes.org [This column made possible by a grant from Blue Valley Sod, www.bluevalleysod.com]
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IT WILL MEAN EVERYTHING Yesterday in Houston, Texas Andrea Yates was found not guilty by reason of insanity for the 2001 drowning deaths of her five children. I breathed a sigh of relief. The first jury trial ended in a guilty conviction, and Andrea Yates was sent to prison to live among hard-core criminals. As a mother and one who advocates for those with mental illness, I was astounded that a jury found this woman “sane.” What mother (with a history of mental illness) would be able to calmly drown her children, one by one, in the bathtub, then call 9-1-1…and do so in her right mind? Immediately after the children’s shocking deaths, people around the nation were angry. They wanted to blame Andrea for killing her children; they didn’t want to hear about mental illness. Did Andrea Yates know the difference between right and wrong? That is what defines ‘sane’ and ‘insane’ in Texas. During the first trial, the jurors deemed she did, and that was enough to convict her. Andrea Yates was locked up in prison. Then an appellate court granted her a new trial; an expert in the former trial testified erroneously about a television show that he thought Andrea Yates saw that he said could have planted the seed for the killings. In fact there was no episode of that show. If the jurors in the first trial assumed she saw the show that was described and then premeditated the murders of her children, they would have been misled, so Andrea found herself back in front of another jury a few years later to go to trial all over again. I am glad that the second jury was able to acknowledge that Andrea Yates had a history of mental illness that contributed to her actions. Previous to that fateful day, she tried to kill herself. She had been hospitalized. She was taking anti-psychotic medications off and on since the birth of her first child. By the time she had her fifth child, Andrea was definitely not well, and it was not a big surprise to her husband Rusty. Yet he did not do anything to prevent Andrea’s submersion into mental illness nor did he make arrangements to ensure the safety of their children whom Andrea home schooled. Andrea Yates was a sick woman, and her mental illness caused her to snap. Not in her right mind she killed her children thinking she was saving them. It is a victory for mental health advocates that Andrea Yates has been found not guilty by reason of insanity and that she will spend time in a state mental hospital–most likely for the rest of her life--getting the psychiatric help she needs. Her case will be monitored yearly by a judge. More importantly, when Andrea Yates understands what her actions caused, she will realize that she did so in a psychotic state. It was not about malice or hatred; it was about a diseased mind that pushed her over the edge of sanity. Any way you look at it, this woman’s life is over. Her attorneys note that in her mind she lives in hell every day. At least she won’t be branded by society as a cold-blooded, premeditated murderer. It may not mean much to anyone else, but one day (maybe), when Andrea Yates’ mind is clear and sane, it will mean everything to her.
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I have been following the “battle” over Ft. Hancock at Sandy Hook for a long time and am very distressed at the possibility that private, for-profit, interests could wrest control of our treasure from us. This is our National Park, right here in New Jersey. If this park tumbles into developer’s control, will the other national parks be far behind? I have seen the Request for Proposals for the “rehabilitation”, and it is rife with loopholes for the developer. Requests for changes “cannot be unreasonably denied”. How long will it take before the requests start coming in and we find that the “real” plan is radically different from the package of goods that the NPS is are trying to sell to us? Have we been traveling on a road to the establishment of a “take everything available and turn it over to developers” system of government? The eminent domain tragedies in N.J. and elsewhere in the U.S. combined with the, so very similar, taking of our National Park land so that private developers can have their way with our treasures, both privately and publicly owned, is frightening. Where is the concern for the general public’s welfare? Why should we give up any of our cherished parkland to any developer? Soon, it would seem, we will not even have access to the park’s beaches. After all, how could the developers stop at just Ft. Hancock? I found it entertaining that an individual, who took out a huge advertisement accusing people who have justifiably questioned the proposals for Ft. Hancock, of being like the propaganda head for Hitler being taken seriously, and quoted, in the newspaper article. What justification is there for such vitriol? We are Americans. We have the right to speak our minds. In all the materials that I have read, I have never found that preservation of the salvageable buildings was not desired. I have read that reasonable preservation, done with joint private/public money should be the preferred method. The loss by the public of the use of the land and buildings for 60 years is not acceptable. Look at the photos in the 7-30-06 issue of the local daily newspaper—is that something that you want to see lost to a developer?? Not me!! Perhaps all of those who care should contact/write Judge Cooper to let her know how we would all be harmed by the loss of this natural gem to developers. Are we allowed to do that, or are the peons not to be heard? Are we to shut up and get with the National Park Service program—no matter how we feel? Once the loss happens we will be forever “harmed”. My concept of a National Park is not one of a business park—we already have more empty business parks than we need. U.S. Court of Appeals for the Third Circuit
R.J. Hughes
Justice Complex
25 Market Street
P.O. Box 112
Trenton, N.J. 0862
P. A. Stilwell
Up until 2 1/2 years ago Bruce Owens, 46, resident of Long Branch, New Jersey was a healthy man until he found out that he had a disease called Scolerderma ( which hardens your skin and then your organs) a change that would start a snowball effect and lead to further complications in his life. December 10, 2005 he started having pains in his back, the pain got so bad that his wife Kathi Owens bought him to the emergency room at Monmouth Medical Center, Long Branch, New Jersey. After 12 hours of waiting Bruce was admitted to the hospital for pneumonia. It was Monday night and we were watching Monday night football. I left the hospital at 11pm because Bruce was getting tired. At 4:00 am I received a call from the Hospital saying that he was having trouble breathing and that they were going to move him into the intensive care unit. When I arrived at the hospital they told me that my husband needed to be put on life support- after 11 days of not breathing on his own and not being able to tolerate being off the life support the doctors said that we had no choice but to give him a high dose of steroids a medicine called prednizone was administered. The doctors gave him such a high dose that, yes, he did begin breathing on his own and they were able to remove the breathing tube. We were told not to worry that if it did affect the kidneys that they would open back up in a couple of weeks. On February 4, 2006 Bruce could not wait any longer he had to start dialysis treatments. Bruce goes to work at 6:30 am and works until 3:30 pm and then he goes to dialysis three days a week from 4:00pm to 8:00 pm. On April 20, 2006 Bruce was put on the national list for a kidney donor. Most kidney donations come from family members they are much more compatible. Bruce has 8 brothers and sisters who were ruled out for medical reasons and blood type. A brother in law came forward but was also denied for medical reasons. I, his wife, Kathi have the wrong blood type. Bruce and I have been married for 2 years on July 24, 2006, we have accumulated and enormous amount of debt due to medical bills and Bruce being out of work. He had no choice but to return to work in May in order to keep his Medical Insurance and to keep his job. He has been a custodian in the Ocean Township School District - he is currently working at the high school. He has worked at the schools for more than 6 years. He is well loved at home, by family, friends and co-workers. e is now in the End stage of Kidney Failure and needs a Kidney Transplant. He also suffers with scolerderma. If you have 0+ blood and are interested in helping out with one of your kidneys (laproscopic surgery will be used) please call us for a donor referral form as soon as possible. If you have a different blood type and are interested in donating a kidney please come forward. There are so many people in need of donors. For donations or donorship! Please, please come forward!! Call Kathi Owens 732-245-2667 or 732- 229-2493 or you can email me at Kathiann2@aol.com ! Kathy and Bruce Owens
Dear Mayor Ekdahl: It was with immense sadness that I received the news of the June 15th fire that destroyed the childhood home I called Holly Farm, also known as the Tredwell House, the oldest building in Rumson. As grief takes its course, my emotions have turned to anger and disbelief. The planning and zoning boards of Rumson should be ashamed and embarrassed. Their approach to historic preservation is a disgrace. They had an opportunity to preserve a very precious piece of history, one the whole town could be proud of, embrace and cherish. Instead, they let it go up in smoke. Greed has driven the entire process, beginning with the town's response to the initial application for development submitted by Arthur and Leslie Parent back in 2000. For Hollis Colquhoun, chairwoman of the Rumson Historic Preservation Commission, to actively talk about the tremendous historical value of this property and the need for the council to adopt stronger protection for historical sites after the fire is so terribly sad in hindsight. Too little, too late. Where was that interest in history and preservation on June 14 th? So much time and energy by many preservationists went into trying to save this beautiful 300-year-old structure, with such a tragic end. According to a resolution passed in early 2005, the Parents were required to protect the historical portions of the house from the elements, yet doors and windows were left open and glass broken. In the 16 months since the resolution was passed, no restoration had begun as mandated. Even the bridge over the stream was recently demolished, resulting in precious lost time for firelighters who could not easily access the building, as the fire was raging. The town averted its eyes from the project, and greed stepped in and landed the final blow. This is more than a simple case of gross negligence. There is no doubt in my mind that greed fueled the fire on June 15th. Where is the accountability? While it is clear that the town was remiss in protecting the Tredwell House, I trust now the town will aggressively follow through with a thorough investigation. Now that the 300-year-old obstacle that has fed the seven-year debate is no longer an issue, the Parents can proceed with their plans to subdivide the property. Move aside, history. Rumson needs a few more McMansions, complete with Jacuzzi, SubZero and a wine bar. The Parents can now file an insurance claim and finally recoup their investment while lining their pockets in pursuit of the American Dream. And the town of Rumson can reap the tax benefits of another new development. How very sad. Jennifer H. Sargent
Dear Reviewing Authorities, My concerns for the threatened and endangered species at Sandy Hook are numerous and voluminous. It is hereby requested that the following comments/ statements be included in all reviews, findings and duly recorded in official documents for the (Endangered Species management Plan " for Sandy hook, NJ. * The public was made aware of the initial "open house" for the aforementioned plan was via a press release issued from Superintendent Wells's office. The notice was insufficient in that it did not sufficiently disclose where information could be found on the 1992 "Plan" that needed to be to be revised to reflect current issues at Sandy Hook. * The Press Release stated that, " If you are unable to attend and would still like to share your ideas you can contact us via mail or email. Please send your comments to the Superintendent at the address below, or online at http://parkplanning.nps.gov no later than July 30, 2006," provides a link to the NPS website. As described in my attached letter to the Atlantic Highlands Herald. The quoted link does not provide any area for comment. Repeated searches performed on the referred to link resulted in no information on the Endangered Species Management Plan does not appear and/or the "open house." * Apparently, certain "interested parties" were mailed notices of the "public" meeting and comment period to their individual addresses. Since 2002, I have repeatedly submitted comments, statements and petitions to the NPS and Superintendent Wells' office regarding proposals, plans for Sandy Hook. Contained within these submissions I specifically asked to be included in notices, mailings and to be considered as a declared "interested party." I am personally aware of and have submitted letters/statements from others that also declared their interested party status. Most of these commenters were not mailed notices. I am aware of only one commentor that was actually mailed a notice to their address. The insufficient notification is unacceptable and certainly not representative of good faith and in the best interest of the public for a meeting held to seek public comment/participation. * It was determined by/concluded in the 2003 NPS Environmental Assessment that an additional and far reaching Environmental Impact Statement was not required. The EA was the topic of "public meetings" and a comment period was provided as well. Clearly, the Endangered Species Management Plan is a supplemental document that is trying to make up for the insufficiencies and omissions of the 2003 EA and to bring the EA into minimal compliance with NEPA mandates. Obviously, the "plan' now being undertaken not only clouds the conclusions of the 2003 EA but as well indicates that the conclusions were premature at best. * The 2003 EA cover page that appears online now states that it was revised in 2005. The 2005 revisions are not depicted, defined nor described. The public and "interested parties" are due explanations and another meeting for full disclosure to comment on the 2005 revisions. * A true and credible EA for the Endangered Species Management Plan must be in depth and not cursory. Soil borings, sand analysis, quality and quantity of runoff determinations from the pending commercial development at the north end of the Hook and the cumulative effects thereof should be factored in to any study and /or review of habitat, breeding, feeding and migratory data/conditions for the barrier island's many diversified species. "Oil and chemical spills in the bays and surrounding areas are still common; major spills in the Arthur Kill occurred in the early 1990s. Nutrients, organic matter, and suspended solids continue to enter the watershed from sewage treatment plants and other point and nonpoint sources." " Accidental releases of oil and other hazardous materials are a major threat in this area. Spills can occur during each mode of transportation and during product transfer. Severity of spill impacts is affected by numerous factors, such as type of oil product, behavior of the product on water, volume of the spill, weather conditions, time of year, and habitats impacted. Biological resources at risk include all stages of benthic organisms, the eggs, larvae, and juvenile stages of fish and shellfish, waterfowl, seabirds, shorebirds, beach strand plants, colonial waterbirds, marine mammals, and sea turtles. Nonpoint sources, less easily recognized, contribute up to half of all the oil-related pollution, and result from municipal and urban wastes, urban runoff, atmospheric deposition of incomplete combustion products from autos and trucks, unrecovered spent motor oils, leaks from offshore operations, and burned and unburned fuels and lubrication products from boating. This chronic low-level pollution has devastating and widely differing effects on fish, invertebrates, and algae, with the early life stages being most vulnerable." (SIGNIFICANT HABITATS AND HABITAT COMPLEXES OF THE NEW YORK BIGHT WATERSHED Raritan Bay - Sandy Hook Bay Complex). Oil Spills and Other Contaminants - Oil spills pose a threat to piping plovers throughout their life cycle. Oiled plovers have been reported from Breezy Point, New York; Sandy Hook and Mantoloking, New Jersey; Trustom Pond, Rhode Island; Horseneck Beach, Massachusetts; and Matagorda Island National Wildlife Refuge, Texas (USFWS files). Fourteen abandoned plover eggs from five New Jersey sites were analyzed for presence of organochlorine and heavy metal burdens in 1990 (USFWS 1991a). Although DDE, PCB's, and chlordane metabolites were detected in all samples, levels did not appear to threaten reproduction. Mercury concentrations ranged from 0.077 to 1.07 ppm wet weight; with the exception of 1.07 ppm wet weight mercury in eggs from Brick Township, New Jersey, mercury residues in that study appeared below those thought causative of avian reproductive anomalies. The NPS plan for private-for-profit commercial and office uses pending for the north end of the Hook will exacerbate the above referenced conditions associated with urban sprawl. * The uses for the "redevelopment" of the structures at the Fort Hancock have not been individually identified. This is problematic when attempting to judge the cumulative impacts from the proposed development ( particulary from infrastructure and traffic runoff). Yet, any research and conclusions must consider the maximum and not minimal effects to the ecological necessities for the survival of flora and fauna. The public that frequents Sandy Hook are the first hand witnesses to and the best objective parties to contribute to any analysis of the environment and it's inhabitants at the Hook. Their participation is critical to any/all definitive conclusions reached by an EA for the Management Plan for Endangered Species. In light of the insufficient notice, the misleading link to the NPS website that is absent of any material on the "plan" and "public meeting, an extension for the comment period is appropriate. Common sense and the fairness doctrine dictates that another public meeting that presents and provides access to the material that the public is asked to comment on is requisite. Please find included as attachments to this email, articles and emails that I respectfully request to be included in the official record and comment period for the Sandy Hook "Endangered Management Plan." Once again, I remind the reviewing authorities and their retained contractors that I am a declared interested party. As such please forward all notices of meetings, comment periods and any/all plans that the public is "permitted" to participate in. Respectfully,
Carole Balmer
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