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NAVESINK NJ - New Jersey's lighthouses are shining the spotlight on their special contributions to maritime heritage with the second annual Lighthouse Challenge Festival October 13 and 14. Sponsored by the NJ Lighthouse Society, New Jersey Lighthouse Challenge 2001, gives visitors and lighthouse enthusiasts an opportunity to visit and tour all 11 of New Jersey's land-based lighthouses in one weekend. Visitors will receive a commemorative stamp with antique images of each lighthouse at each location- Collectors' cards with all eleven stamps are suitable for framing. New Jersey lighthouses are fascinating monuments to our coastal heritage," said Richard Weber, event coordinator for Lighthouse Challenge 200l. "We organized this event to educate the public about New Jersey's lighthouses and the part they played, and in some cases continue to play, in America's maritime history. We also want to honor the volunteers who staff New Jersey's lighthouses and keep them open to the public. "Several of these lights are not normally open to the public, so this is truly a unique opportunity to take in New Jersey history, and hopefully some picturesque fall scenery," Weber added. NJ Lighthouse Society members will be on site at all eleven locations throughout the weekend from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. presenting stamps and collectors cards. Visitors who complete the tour, will receive membership in the "Eleven Points of Light Club" and be entered into a drawing for lighthouse collectibles donated by each participating light. Last year, some 350 individuals completed the tour. With extended hours for 2001, more are expected to make the complete circuit this year. "The stamps help visitors track their journey. You can really start and finish anywhere," said Weber. "Some folks will start at either the North or South, others will start in the middle and do half each day Either way, it's a fun, family adventure and each lighthouse will have detailed directions to the light north and south of them, to ensure that no one gets lost." The participating NJ Lighthouses are listed from North to South and around the Delaware Bay. For directions to each light, please go to the NJ Lighthouse Society website at http://www.njlhs.burlco.org/directions.htm. Lighthouses marked with an asterisk are only open to the public for special events. Get Map Here: Sandy Hook Lighthouse - Fort Hancock,
Gateway National Park According to Weber, some lighthouses are organizing special events around the Lighthouse Challenge 2001 celebration. "Visitors are likely to see the work of lighthouse artists, historical characters and reenactments, and other activities that will make the weekend extra special," said Weber. The New Jersey Lighthouse Society is a non-profit association dedicated to preserving and educating the public about lighthouses in New Jersey and the United States. For additional information about the organization, please send email to NJLHS@burlco.org or visit their website at www.njlhs.burlco.org. For additional information about Lighthouse Challenge 2001, please call Rick Weber at 856-546-0514 or email the event at njlighthouse200l@excite.com. Get Map Here: http://www.ahherald.com/news/011011/lighthouses.htm - PRINT THIS ARTICLE Your
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by ALLAN DEAN MIDDLETOWN, NJ — Ryan Kappauf, a 10 year old boy from New Berlin, New York was, like many of us, moved by the tragic events of September 11. This remarkable young man knew that he just had to do something to help. "I saw the attack and I felt I had to do something for the boys and girls who lost their mom or dad," said Ryan in a recent interview. Ryan bought material and made an initial batch of 125 flags and red, white and blue ribbon pins and sold them to the residents in his area at the local Big M grocery store. His step-mother, Linda Maury, made ten dozen red, white and blue cupcakes. Within an hour and a half they were sold out and their effort had earned a little more than $500. Ryan continued to make the flags and pins, totaling nearly 400 before he was done. Preferred Mutual Insurance, donated dowels to the effort and his family helped hackle the flags and keep the project on track. "My little sister, Kelly, was making sure we got things done," said Ryan. "Kids need to vent too," said Ryan's mother, Elizabeth Lee Kappauf. "Our community, our school, everyone tried to make sense of the tragedy." Mrs. Kappauf said that while Ryan was selling the flags, a young girl came up to him and, seeing the large sum of money in his bucket, asked what he would do with the money. "Are you going to get a four-wheeler," she asked. Ryan didn't want to donate the money to the Red Cross, he said, because he he wanted to direct the aid specifically to the children of the affected families. When Ryan saw Mayor Joan Smith last month in a televised interview on "Inside Edition" speak about the impact that the attacks have had on the families in Middletown, he knew just what he would do. He asked his mom if she would take him to New Jersey. Mayor Joan Smith, Deputy Mayor Rick Brodsky, Township Committee members Rosemarie Peters, Raymond O'Grady and Middletown Education Foundation Great Race Manager Paul Kane met Ryan Kappauf, at 10 a.m. on Monday, October 8th at Middletown Town Hall to accept his check of $1000 to help Middletown families. Middletown Education Foundation will administer the funds. "Ryan's outpouring of love for the children of Middletown is heartwarming. His generosity, patriotism and entrepreneurial skills are amazing and we can all be proud that Ryan is an example of America's future generation. All of us enjoyed meeting Ryan and his family and wish them well in their hometown endeavors," said Mayor Smith. The sale of flags, pins and cupcakes had raised $933 and Ryan asked his parents for $67 advance on his allowance to make up the difference his mother said. The Middletown Education Foundation Great Race, the recipient of Ryan's donation, has committed all of this year's fundraising efforts to provide scholarships for those Middletown families that were affected by the attacks on the World Trade Center. The 12th Annual Great Race of Middletown will be held October 20. http://www.ahherald.com/news/011011/mt_donation.htm - PRINT THIS ARTICLE Your
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TRENTON, NJ — Assemblyman Steve Corodemus introduced two pieces of legislation last week in response to the September 11th Attacks. The First Declares the State Assembly's support of Congress and the President's actions against terrorism. It further asks that the federal government cut off all foreign economic and military aid to countries who will not support the US's campaign against terrorism. The second bill asks the Port Authority to report to the Legislature annually on all security measures being taken. "It is unfortunate that we even have to prepare such legislation, but we must respond, " stated Corodemus (R-Monmouth), "The terrorists attacked all of us on September 11th and we must not allow this to happen again." Currently security in airports is the responsibility of the companies, often the methods employed are inadequate or not followed. Today New Jersey National Guardsmen are replacing state police officers who have been reinforcing security in our airports. The FBI has serious reason to believe that there will be further attacks on our soil. "Never has it been more important to ensure that security is running as tight and efficiently as possible," said Corodemus. The United States is preparing to send $350 million in aid to Afghanistan in an effort to show our support of the Afghani people, while we prepare our troops for a possible war against the ruling Taliban. In the year 2001 alone over $14 billion was allotted for foreign aid. Included in this number is nearly $7 billion to Middle Eastern Countries. "As a federal tax payer I would much rather see our tax dollars spent on domestic security and job creation than on ungrateful allies." "We must make a statement to the nations of the world 'if you do not support our endeavors to bring peace and safety to the world, we will no longer support you', " Stated Corodemus. The bills were introduced during Wednesdays special joint session of the Legislature. Acting Governor Donald Di Francesco called this session in response to the recent attacks so the Assembly and Senate could vote on key pieces of legislation. Many of these bills will aid the families of the victims of this horrible tragedy, including expediting death certificates and free college tuition to state universities for the families of those lost. The acting Governor signed the bills into law last week. http://www.ahherald.com/news/011011/wtc_legilation.htm - PRINT THIS ARTICLE Your
Comments MATAWAN, NJ — The 'Shark Tank,' an exhibit of 22 decorated sharks forms sponsored by the Mid-State Arts Resource Team (mART), continues its tour through the communities of Monmouth county, with exhibits planned through January at a variety of public and corporate spaces. Staring on October 15th, the sharks will be hosted by Lucent Technologies, where they will be installed in the central atrium of the company's corporate headquarters in Holmdel. "We are so pleased to bring the "Shark Tank" here to Lucent," said Lou Brancadora, display coordinator. "We value our relationship with the public, and are happy to support mART's efforts to bring art into the community." The exhibit will continue in Holmdel until October 30th. mART's "Shark Tank" represents the first phase of "Sharks for the Arts," a multi-year public arts project the group is sponsoring to promote the creation of a new Fine & Performing Arts Center in Monmouth County. "A new facility will benefit both artists and the community," said Marina Alexander, mART's president, "and will play an essential role in the cultural and economic welfare of our entire area." The group hopes to house rehearsal and performing space for theater, music, and dance, as well as gallery and studio space for fine artists and offices for arts organizations. After its run at Lucent, the "Shark Tank" will travel to the Nature Center at Poricy Park in Middletown, where it will be displayed from November 5 through the 30th. "The sharks should be quite at home here," said Carol Kealy, director of the park. "In prehistoric times, Poricy Park was a shallow sea, where sharks were abundant, as evidenced by the fossils still found in this area." To highlight the show, the park is hosting "Art in the Park," a 'minicamp' for children in grades 3 through 6. From 12:30pm to 3:00pm on Thursday, November 8th, the children will view the "Shark Tank" and use it as inspiration for creating their own works of art using materials found in the ocean. Registration is $22. for members of the park, $30. for all others. The park is located on Oak Hill Road. To register or for more info, call 732-842-5966. For the month of December, the sharks will swim to western Monmouth, where they will appear at the Headquarters of the county library system, at 125 Symmes Drive, Manalapan. They will be exhibited there through the holidays, beginning on December 3rd and running through January 3rd. For directions or info, please call the library at 732-431-7220. Painted and ornamented by both professional and amateur artists, the shark concepts range from the "Beachgoer Shark" and the "Asbury Shark" to the "Diva Shark" and "Picasso Shark." "Everyone who has visited the show has commented on the exceptional artistic quality and creativity of the designs," said Peter Eccles, chairman of the event. "Plus, they've raved about how much fun the show is." Thus far, the "Shark Tank" has drawn good crowds at all its venues. After opening in Matawan in late June, the exhibit spent July at Jenkinson's Aquarium in Pt. Pleasant, most of August at the Atlantic City Arts Center, and the month of September at the maritime museum at Stone Harbor. The show will travel to other locations in New Jersey next spring, with additional venues to be announced shortly. mART hopes that "Sharks for the Arts" will build public support for it's goal of creating a local arts center, and hopes people interested in building a better community will get involved with the organization. The group holds its meetings on the third Wednesday of each month, at the Matawan Community Center, 201 Broad Street. Its next meeting will be on October 17th at 7:30 PM. Anyone interested in the show or in supporting the "Shark Tank" as a sponsor or as an individual booster can call mART at (732) 441-1229 or (732)-441-2936. Further information on the exhibit is also available at mART's website, www.sharkart.org. mART may also be contacted via email at martsharks@yahoo.com. http://www.ahherald.com/news/011011/shark_tank.htm - PRINT THIS ARTICLE Your
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KEYPORT, NJ — The Prevention Resource Network (PRN), a program of the Visiting Nurse Association of Central Jersey (VNACJ) of Asbury Park, is now offering Free Confidential Oral HIV Testing at the VNACJ Health Center located at 35 Broad Street, Keyport, on Tuesdays from 12 noon till 4:00 PM. We can also provide individual and group counseling sessions and prevention workshops for men, women, and youth at various school and local community groups. The PRN has been operating for 5 years working diligently in the HIV/AIDS field and continues working to assure that the numbers of people being infected and affected drop at a continuing level. New Jersey is still ranked 5th in the country with HIV/AIDS cases. We are also 1st in cases of women and 3rd with children and the numbers are still increasing especially among the ages of 18 to 24 year olds. There is no cure for AIDS and only by learning what you can do to prevent it will things change. Please feel free to contact us for any information or how we might be able to help you or your school or group. Prevention Resource Network 625 Bangs Avenue, Asbury Park, NJ 07712 or call 1-800-947-0020. http://www.ahherald.com/news/011011/hiv_testing.htm - PRINT THIS ARTICLE Your
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MIDDLETOWN, NJ — The Middletown Fireworks Committee, Inc. has been formed to bring back to the Bayshore the annual celebration of our Nation's Heritage announced former Township Committeeman Joe McGrath who is also the Committee's Chairman. As the largest town in Monmouth County we should celebrate the Fourth of July with all the fanfare and appreciation the birth of our country deserves. For many years, people from all over Middletown came to Ideal Beach to join their neighbors in a day filled with events for all ages such as the Water Ski Show, the Beauty Pageant, Music and great food. It's time to bring it back and we have formed a committee to do just that. The committee is grateful to several of the dedicated service organizations that have pledged contributions to make this a reality. The Middletown Elks, Veterans groups, The American Legion Post 515, The Ideal Beach Association, and a stream of private donations from residents all over town have already gotten us well on our way to our goal stated McGrath McGrath a lifelong resident of the Bayshore who's family operated a beachfront concession for many years recalled the excitement and anticipation each summer that accompanied the celebration. The Township Committee discontinued many beachfront activities for lack of funding. We will do privately what the Township feels it is unable to re-instate he said. The former Deputy Mayor said the sponsors are ecstatic about the venture and have made long term commitments to the event. According to Patrick Short, the Vice Chairman, the committee will raise funds year round by a series of different events throughout the township. This will allow all sections of the town to participate and feel united in the celebration. We have the most wonderful location for this annual event right here at Ideal Beach, Port Monmouth, Belford, and Leonardo beaches which the Committee expects to provide simulcasting to, Middletown's over seventy thousand residents shouldn't have to cram into the surrounding smaller towns to enjoy the traditional fireworks display stated Short who will also handle publicity. There is more than enough room between the several beaches on Middletown's waterfront to accommodate everyone he said. For many years the township provided busses from local shopping centers to the beachfront for the days events followed by the fireworks. I'm confident the Township will cooperate with our effort which numerous residents have been demanding at township meetings said McGrath. This will allow the town to truly come together as a community in the Bayshore which is experiencing tremendous revitalization and is proud to host the annual event they concluded. http://www.ahherald.com/news/011011/mt_fireworks.htm - PRINT THIS ARTICLE Your
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ATLANTIC HIGHLANDS, NJ — The First Presbyterian Church will present a concert of Christian music by composer and performer Nancy Scharff at 7 p.m., Saturday, Oct. 13 at the church, Third and E. Highland avenues. The concert by the widely traveled singer, guitarist and pianist will be free although attendees are encouraged to bring provisions for the area food pantry and to make an offering in support of Nancy Scharff Ministries. Based on previous appearances worldwide, Nancy Scharff promises an evening of energy, excitement and spiritual renewal. An accomplished singer and songwriter, she has had great success with her tape and CD, “Open Heart,” and recently released a recording entitled “Convenant Love.” During the concert, Nancy Scharff will share her own original songs as well as favorite contemporary Christian and traditional hymns. The children and youth of the First Presbyterian Church will be joining her on several songs. Drummer Roy Frank and bass player Bob Marriner will accompany Nancy during the program. Nancy Scharff has regularly toured nationally and internationally. She often performs at The Church on the Square in Lady Lake, Florida. Her most recent trips have been to England and Hawaii and in November she plans to travel to South Africa. She performed at the Rome Music Festival and the Jerusalem 3000 Celebration and in eight European countries. Her New York credits include performances at Carnegie Recital Hall, Lincoln Center, St. Paul’s Chapel, the Cathedral of St. John the Divine and in off-Broadway theater. Nancy has sung onstage with Christian artists Twila Paris, Sandi Patty and Larnelee Harris, among others. In New Jersey, she has performed at the Count Basie Theater, Red Bank and at the Great Auditorium in Ocean Grove. http://www.ahherald.com/news/011011/ah_concert.htm - PRINT THIS ARTICLE Your
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WEST LONG BRANCH, NJ — Monmouth University today announced that it will host its annual candlelight dinner, slide show and tour of historic Woodrow Wilson Hall on Friday evening, October 26. Dinner will be served at 6:00 p.m. sharp in the Versailles room. At 7:30 p.m. the slide show presentation will be shown in Wilson Hall Auditorium that will give a visual history, spanning from 1903 until the present. Following the slide show, former Monmouth University professor Arie van Everdingen will lead a tour of the entire building, sharing interesting details about how the Parson family used it, events held there, the filming of the motion picture “Annie” and much more. Tickets are $35 and seating is limited. Contact Monmouth University’s office of special events and programs at 732-571-3509 to reserve a spot. http://www.ahherald.com/news/011011/mu_candlelight_dinner.htm - PRINT THIS ARTICLE Your
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FREEHOLD, NJ — On Sunday, October 14 from 11am to 5pm the Monmouth County Park System invites area residents and their families to the annual celebration of Turkey Swamp Park Day at the facility on Georgia Road in Freehold. The following events have been scheduled: Kids’ Races:
Stage Entertainment:
Strolling Entertainment:
For more information about Turkey Swamp Park Day or any other Park System special event, call (732) 842-4000. For persons with hearing impairment, the TDD machine number is (732) 219-9484. http://www.ahherald.com/news/011011/mc_turkey_swamp.htm - PRINT THIS ARTICLE Your
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MIDDLETOWN, NJ — The organizing committee of 12th Annual The Great Race announced that all the proceeds from the October 20 event will be used to establish an educational fund for Middletown children who lost a parent in the tragic attacks on September 11, 2001. Normally, half the race proceeds go to the Middletown Township Education Foundation to fund grants for district teachers, and the other half is distributed to the PTAs and PFAs at the district’s 17 schools. Never before have all the proceeds been donated to a single cause. Last year, The Great Race raised $28,000. A $15.00 entry fee* includes a long-sleeve t-shirt with a design created by High School North Senior R. J. Trumble. This year, the race shirt will also bear a commemorative American flag and the date “September 11, 2001” on the left sleeve. *Early registration deadline is Friday, October 5 and guarantees a t-shirt. After October 5, the entry fee is $20.00. Entrants are encouraged to register early since there is high demand for the 2001 race shirt. The 5K race will begin at 12:30 at Middletown High School North on Tindall Road in Middletown followed by competitive 2K races for ages 11-14 and 8-10. A 1K Fun Run for ages 5-7 and an “Anyway” 2K walk/run follow. Last year there were over 3000 registrants. Race Day Activities: Package Pick-Up and Late Registration at Middletown High School North lobby on: For more information, call Paul Kane, Race Director, at 732-936-9227 or email PKIRON@aol.com http://www.ahherald.com/news/011011/mt_great_race.htm - PRINT THIS ARTICLE Your
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TRENTON, NJ — Senator William Schluter, the independent candidate for governor, today received the open support of a group of longtime Republican Party state, county and municipal stalwarts. At a news conference in the Statehouse, Schluter said, "These people are a sample of the support my candidacy is receiving within the Republican Party. It takes courage for a member of a major political party to publicly endorse a maverick like me. I am grateful for their willingness to do so." Schluter explained why he received the endorsements. "They are not leaving the Republican Party. They simply believe that former Mayor Schundler does not reflect the mainstream of Republican policy and tradition. These people, who have known me for years, believe that my principles and positions are founded in the tradition of governors like Alfred E. Driscoll, William Cahill and Tom Kean." "They represent a wide segment of the Republican Party this year, a segment that is pessimistic about the party's prospects in the election. I have been encouraged by many of the party faithful who feel they cannot make a public endorsement. They want to be able to help pick up the pieces after the election. One friend of mine in the Legislature told me recently that I have six votes in his family. But, of course, he does not feel he can say that publicly." "Mr. Schundler's handlers are casting him as an outsider," Schluter said. "Certainly, he is no outsider with his support of the status quo on campaign finance issues. But then again, he is an outsider when it comes to mainstream New Jersey Republicanism." The endorsements came from: Bruce G. Coe, President Emeritus of the N.J. Business and Industry Association, Chairman of the State and Local Expenditure and Revenue Policy Commission (SLERP) 1985-88, Former Executive Director of the N.J. Housing Finance Agency and State Capital Needs Commission. Schluter has served in the State Legislature for a total of 20 years. His Senate district covers Warren County, most of Hunterdon County, and three towns in Mercer County. Since neither of the major party candidates was taking clear, constructive stands on such critical issues as property tax reform, controlling sprawl, or campaign finance reform, Schluter dropped his Republican affiliation and entered the gubernatorial race as an independent. http://www.ahherald.com/news/011011/schluter_endorsed.htm - PRINT THIS ARTICLE Your
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8:30 P.M. Memorial Candlelighting Ceremony To Remember World Trade Center Victims HAZLET, NJ — The Women's Center of Monmouth County Board voted to hold the 25th Anniversary Celebration on Friday, October 12, and not delay the special commemorative event. To be held at the Garden Manor in Aberdeen, from 7 p.m. - midnight, the program will feature an 8.30 p.m. tribute to the World Trade Center victims and their surviving families. Plans have been underway by the 56-member committee since January 2001, and it was concluded that this fund-raising effort must go on in order to support the critical services of the Center that help survivors of domestic violence and sexual assault. Following the World Trade Center and Pentagon attacks, the Women's Center made available free debriefing and bereavement counseling to adults, adolescents and children. The School-Based Abuse Prevention staff are working with adolescents in the various high schools and some middle schools. Immediately following the plane crashes, the Women's Center expanded art therapy to all children in emergency shelter struggling to cope with the tragedy. The children created drawings of the shelter on fire in response to the television news coverage. Amanda's Easel staff will be available to provide counseling for any children through the use of art therapy. The October 12th event's theme, "Our doors have been open for 25 years," will highlight the Women's Center's leadership in public service on behalf of families. Music will be provided by Tim McLoone, and the Honorary Committee includes celebrities Jon and Dorthea BonJovi, Jack Ford, Esq., and Chazz and Gianna Palminteri. "Tensions in the home have existed during this crisis and we are still treating survivors of domestic violence and sexual assault at full capacity levels," said Anna M. Diaz-White, WCMC Executive Director. " On October 12, we are rededicating ourselves to continue service to our community. No one wants to live in an unsafe world. No woman or child should have to live in an unsafe house With the thousands of people who support our efforts, we will continue our work to end their personal violence. "Our hearts are mourning for the victims and their families in all September 11, 2001 tragedies," said Theresa Seitz, WCMC 25th Anniversary Celebration Chairperson. "Every one of us knows a person who died, was injured or who witnessed the World Trade Center disaster. We will honor the memories of those people everyday, and we will remember them that night during an 8:30 p.m. memorial candlelighting ceremony." Founded in 1976, the Women's Center has served over 155,000 women, children and men. Without continued funding, the Women's Center cannot serve low-income families earning under $25,000 per year and who depend on the Center's services and generosity This low-income population comprises 70% of the families served with counseling, transitional housing, emergency shelter, Amanda's Easel art therapy, and related services. Tickets are available at $225/person with all proceeds going to the Women's Center. The Gala's Silent Auction Chairwoman Madeline Gilman and the other committee members have solicited one-of-a kind collectibles to peak the most discriminating of tastes. The Silent Auction will feature over 140 donated gift items including a BonJovi guitar; fine wines; designer clothes including a Cindy Crawford dress and a Dooney Bourke Red Leather Bag; a trip to Cancun with airline tickets and travel items; a dinner for six at James Beard House; Kiss Me Kate or Oklahoma tickets and dinner for 4; party baskets; dinners at outstanding area restaurants; beautiful jewelry pieces; unique gardening supplies; and Men's Items including signed programs for the Yankees 50th Anniversary, baseballs signed by Ralph Branca, Bobby Thompson and Sandy Koufax, a millennium baseball signed by Joe Torre and Bobby Valentine, and a football signed by Phil Sims. Donated
artwork includes: To purchase tickets or be a sponsor for this special anniversary event, please call Lori Sadwith, Director of Development, at 264-9114, If your schedule prevents attending this commemorative event, your donation in lieu of attendance is still welcomed. http://www.ahherald.com/news/011011/wcmc_anniversary.htm - PRINT THIS ARTICLE Your
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RED BANK, NJ — The twenty-first Crop Walk will be held in Red Bank on Sunday, October 21, 2001. Registration
opens at 1 p.m. and the Walk will begin at 1:30
p.m. at Red Rank Regional High School, Ridge
Road in Little Silver. Walkers of all ages are
encouraged to participate in this family affair.
Walkers are encouraged to bring a jar of peanut
buffer which will be collected and distributed
to food pantries in the Monmouth County area.
Last year nearly 2 tons of peanut butter was
distributed to 80 pantries. The national focus this year centers on Asian countries still living with the terror of landmines in their country. Landmines maim or kill an estimated five hundred people per week world wide. There are 250,000 amputees injured by landmines worldwide. In Cambodia, one in 245 persons is an amputee injured by landmines. Church World Service works with the Mines Advisory Group in Cambodia to train local people in mine clearance and mapping. With an estimated eight million mines - one for every Cambodian - de-mining is required before people can return to their villages to plant and harvest crops. Funds from the CROP Walks are helping the survivors of the World Trade Center terrorist attack. For sponsorship sheets, call 741-0528. http://www.ahherald.com/news/011011/crop_walk.htm - PRINT THIS ARTICLE Your
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CONFRONTING THE FEAR OF DEATH This past week, a Greyhound bus flipped over in the vicinity of Manchester, Tennessee, on its way to Atlanta, Ga. It happened because a demented passenger slashed the throat of the bus driver who recovered enough to call for help after the bus flipped and six people died, including the assailant who flew through the window. The "Asbury Park Press" (October 4, 2001) reported the conversation with a passenger in this way. "I was on the bus and I'm alive. That's all I can tell you," passenger Ricardo Jamal Brooks said as he left a hospital. He had chosen Greyhound to get from Flint, Michigan to Atlanta because he was worried about airline safety. "You could understand why (I chose the bus), but you know, you never know," he said. I was reflecting on the words of Mr. Brooks, "but you know, you never know," as I was listening to President Bush telling us that we should do our best to return the aviation business to its normal level by traveling. I also reflected while listening to the testimonies before the Congress about the possibilities of retaliation if the United States and its allies attack Afghanistan. I have lived the "but you know, you never know," when I traveled on Pan Am, and I decided to come home one day late. For the flight that came one day earlier exploded over Scotland! This time I have been invited to the ordination service of one of my friends from my youth. We grew up together in Detroit in the seventies. I went into the ministry close to 25 years ago. His call to the ministry came much later and only now is he becoming ordained. I went over a number of reasons why I should not fly to Miami. However, all the reasons that I set up were not real. The real reason is my fear of flying right now. These days in which we live are days filled with fear and courage. These are days in which we allow the invisible enemy to strangulate us in fear or we can confront the enemy with caution and demonstrate that we can rise above its wicked intents. I have also found that as a historian the number of 7,000 people killed and missing in the horrific attack of September 11 makes me numb, but reading one obituary after another has a wrenching effect because it details how each lost person has been such a central part in so many lives and is now grieved by children, spouses, parents, friends, and neighbors. In the struggle to reach a decision about flying to Miami, I looked at a couple of Bible verses that talk about the fear of death and our living in freedom or in fear. In Hebrews 2:14, the author talks about the humanity of Jesus Christ and the impact that His death should have on our living. "Jesus too shared in their humanity so that by His death He might destroy him who holds the power of death -that is, the devil-and free those who all their lives were held in slavery by their fear of death." In another place, Paul talks about how we have died and risen with Christ (spiritually speaking) and our lives are hidden with Christ in God. (Col. 3:3) If this is true, then why should I fear? Yet, in our human ways we worry. God knew this and talked about our importance with God by giving two illustrations: one is about the sparrows and another one is about adding something to our lives. "Are not two sparrows sold for one penny? Yet not one of them will fall to the ground apart from the will of your Father. And even the very hairs of your head are all numbered. So don't be afraid: you are worth more than many sparrows". (Matthew 10:29-31) "Who of you by worrying can add a single hour to his life?" (other translations - a single cubit to his height) Mt. 6:27. Winston Churchill in his younger days exhibited a fearlessness about death. During his military service against the Boers, we are told that countless times he charged in the most dangerous situations because he did not fear death. However, some of you may be saying that this type of faith is reckless and not everyone is like Winston Churchill. I wholeheartedly agree and my example of work and readiness to face the enemy is a little well-known character by the name of Nehemiah. Nehemiah and his colleagues built the walls of Jerusalem as "those who carried materials did their work with one hand and held a weapon in the other and each of the builders wore his sword at his side as he worked" (Nehemiah 4:17b-18a). We should not be reckless; we should not jump in front of the train to see if God can deliver us, for this is tempting God. Yet, God tells us over and over again, fear not, for I am with you. If He walks with us then whatsoever befalls to us is known to Him and He allows it to happen. Therefore, I have bought my ticket and I will go to celebrate with my friend God's call to his ministry, praying that He will protect me and all who travel and that He will protect and bless my friend as he embarks on this call of obedience to God. http://www.ahherald.com/worship.htm - Area Houses of Worship http://www.ahherald.com/pastor/pc011011_confronting_fear.htm
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OUR BASIC FREEDOM - THE RIGHT TO VOTE We are a country whose attention is divided. Our attention is divided by the patriotic forces currently engaged in Afghanistan and the resumption of our everyday lives. A small part of our everyday lives is choosing our leaders, and election day is just four weeks away. There is no doubt that this year's elections have become less important since September 11, but the right to vote is more valuable than ever. We are in a struggle to defend freedom, and one of our basic freedoms is the right to vote. Early reports from our county clerks suggest that voter registration is little changed from previous years, which is somewhat puzzling given the controversy surrounding last year's presidential election. The only conclusion that can be drawn is that distraction of the war combined with the early deadline for voter registration passed under many unregistered voters radar. But the elections will go forward and the candidates are beginning to make noise. On all levels, our mailboxes will start bringing flyers and there are some commercials beginning to hit the airwaves. Both Bret Schundler and Jim McGreevey are making their case to become governor of New Jersey, and that race has tightened according to most polls. At this point. McGreevey is playing to protect his lead, while Schundler (who is famous for last minute upsets) is putting on the full court press. The challenge for both men is to get their message out clearly, because there is enough of a philosophical difference between the two men to change the course of our state in the next few years. Locally, candidates will be everywhere. With a shortened election season, voters may tend to favor parties and candidates which have delivered results year after year. That can only mean good news for the Republican majority in the New Jersey state legislature, which was thought to be vulnerable. Look for the coming weeks to be quite tame politically, as candidates and their handlers focus on what is truly important- our forces defending our freedom. Contact Jack Archibald - JArchibald@tradingedge.com http://www.ahherald.com/bodypolitic/2001/bp011011_basic_freedom.htm - PRINT THIS ARTICLE Your
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I
WILL My
husband and I don’t have a will.
I’m embarrassed to admit that, at the age of
forty-five. Every once in a while, I think about going to a lawyer and
having one drawn up.
But I always put the idea on the back burner.
Why? It’s
just too depressing.
It’s not that I fear death.
I really don’t. We all know that we’re all going to die sometime.
It’s just the thought of sitting there with
some strange lawyer and talking to him about my
inevitable death that bothers me.
Maybe, deep inside, I think that, if I haven’t prepared
for my death, I can put my death off for a while.
I feel like, the day after I sign my will, I’m
going to get hit by a truck. Everyone will say, “Isn’t that something?
She just made a will the day before.” But,
since the September 11th tragedy and all the
talk of even more acts of terrorism, I feel
it’s time to look around me, take stock of my
valuables, and make sure they get to the right people,
if the Grim Reaper should comes to get me anytime soon. So,
here it is: My
Last Will and Testament. If
I die before my husband, Joe, everything goes to him. I trust that he will have Rob, from Robert’s Coiffures do
my hair, Jen, from Nirvana Nails do my nails, and
that he will dress me in something flattering.
Joe, don’t dress me in black.
The people who come to my wake are going to be
depressed enough that I’m gone.
Why don’t you dress me in yellow?
It’s such a happy color.
Red would be fine, too.
People tell me that red is “one of my
colors.” I
insist that three songs be played at my funeral. They are, Fragile, by Sting, Over the Rainbow, and
Calling All Angels, which was the very last song
in that movie, Pay It Forward.
Joe,
the guests will be crying so hard, by this time in the
service, that they will appear to be inconsolable.
I apologize for that, but those three songs are
just so beautiful, I want to share them with my
family and friends.
They’re
going to need some cheering up.
So, play Mustang Sally.
It will make them feel like dancing.
Trust me, if there’s a song that will get
people up to dance, Mustang Sally is the one.
(Apologize to Doc for me.) If,
by some unfortunate accident, my husband, Joe, and I die
simultaneously, I would like the following items to be
distributed accordingly: Our sons get
whatever money is left after the funerals.
Boys, it’s not going to be as much as you
think. Just
divide it down the middle.
You two can fight over the computers, stereo
equipment, and TVs.
Don’t sell the old LPs.
They might be worth something someday.
But, don’t put them in the attic.
One of my uncles did that and they all melted. Make sure my
friend, Ruthie, gets all my Joni Mitchell CD’s.
She’s the only person on the face of the earth
who loves Joni Mitchell as much as I do. Give the rest
of the CD’s to Faye, next door.
She’s earned them. After all the years she’s listened to them blasting from
our house, she deserves them.
Give her all our patio furniture, too. And the
backyard shed. I told her that Daddy was going to build a garage where the
shed is now. Judging
from how long I’ve been waiting for him to make me
window boxes and a closed in porch, the shed will
probably still be standing right were it is. My
sister-in-law has already agreed to take our two
Yorkshire Terriers, Rocky and Rosy.
To her, I say, “Good luck.”
JoAnn, you know that they’re great little dogs,
but they fight over bones and toys worse than your
nephews did when they were little.
Make sure to keep plenty of “wee” pads on
hand. I
have a feeling Rosy is never going to be fully trained.
How much water can a bladder hold in a
two-and-a-half-pound dog?
The dogs sleep with us every night, too.
It’s their third favorite thing to do, after
going “Bye-Bye” and eating.
Promise to dress them up for Halloween every
year. The
kids in the neighborhood love it.
Oh, and make sure they wear their sweaters when
the temperature drops below 50 degrees. To
my sister, Marian, I leave all my clothes, except my
sweaters, bathrobes, and flannel pajamas.
Marian, give them to our sister, Julie, since
she’s always freezing. Whatever doesn’t fit you, I know you will find some needy
family, like you always do, who might be able to use
them. The rest, I know you will make sure goes to Goodwill, The
Salvation Army, or The Red Cross.
Marian,
I also leave you all my books.
I know how you love to read and swap the books
you’ve already read with the used bookstore.
Just do me a favor and keep all the children’s
books I saved. I
was hoping to give them to my grandchildren someday. Where the Wild Things Are, Green Eggs and Ham, Pat the
Bunny, The Secret Garden, Charlotte’s Web, and James
and the Giant Peach brought such happiness to the
boys as I read them to them, and such happiness in me,
I’d like to have them passed on.
I
only have two pieces of Lenox.
They’re both candy dishes.
I would like to give them to my friend, Denise.
Denise, I know that you’re trading old Lenox
on Ebay these days.
Maybe you can get that vase you have your heart
set on. The
one with the pink roses that matches the charger plate.
You can have my glue guns, too.
I know how you love to make wreathes. My
friend, Susan, gets all my shampoos, conditioners, skin
creams, makeup, rollers, bubble bath, shower gels, and
brushes. Susan, I know how you love to test out the latest beauty
products when you’re visiting.
You can have my sewing kit, too.
Just promise me that you won’t hem anything
when you’re in the car driving. To
my twin sister, Kathi, I leave my Guild 12-string
guitar. Kathi,
It’s the one that I got when I was fifteen.
It still has that little flower decal on it.
You and I shared many happy times playing and
singing and fighting over who does the high harmony and
who does the low harmony.
Don’t ever sell it.
I’ve been tempted over the years and I’m so
happy I didn’t. When I look at it, it helps me to remember our youth.
Kathi,
I want you to have my Barbie and Ken dolls, too.
If you ever display them, dress Barbie in
her black and white bathing suit and dress Ken in
his ski outfit. Those
were my favorites.
I would have saved my Thumbelina doll for
you, but I made the mistake of giving it to one of your
nephews when he was three, and the last time I saw her,
she was lying naked in a big pile of leaves, utterly
ruined. Kathi,
I also want you to have all the pictures of us when we
were little. I
know you’ll take good care of them.
Also, I still have all those old notebooks where
I wrote lyrics and chords to songs we used to play.
Take them and keep them in a safe place.
You might find a few journals around.
I used to write my feelings down when I was
angry. If
you find them, burn them.
I have a feeling that when a person goes to
heaven, all his or her anger disappears.
And if you even think about having them
published, I’ll have a long talk with St. Peter
about you, if you catch my drift. My
sister Katie gets all my unfinished crafts.
She’s got a gift for making things and a
discipline to see a project to its completion.
I’d
like my friend, Doc, to have my Taylor 12-string
guitar. Doc
taught me most of what I know about real Blues
music. Doc
thinks more about his family and the things they
need, than he does about himself.
I figure that a 12-string guitar is way, way down
on his list of things to buy.
It will probably be twenty years before he treats
himself to that luxury.
So, Doc, that guitar has your name on it. I’d
like to give my Beatrix Potter collection to my
friend, Bev. She’s
mad at me right now.
We had some sort of misunderstanding.
But, if it weren’t for Bev, I wouldn’t even
know who Beatrix Potter was.
Bev pointed out all the little details in her
illustrations of rabbits, mice, and squirrels in her
illustrations. Bev
just loves Beatrix Potter, so I’d like her to have all
the figurines I’ve collected over the years.
I’d like her to have the little books, too.
(Bev, I keep them in my night table on the right
side of the bed.) I’d like my
nephew, Eddie, to have my Yamaha guitar and my niece,
Sara, to have my RainSong guitar.
These two kids have such a gift for music and I
hope the guitars will encourage them to pursue it.
Eddie, you get the Yamaha because I know that you
don’t have an acoustic guitar.
It will be a lot easier on your Mom and Dad’s
ears if you use it to practice, instead of your
electric. Sara,
you get the RainSong, because it’s entirely made of
graphite. You
can sit on the beach all day long and play, and not
worry about it warping, like a wooden guitar does.
I wish they made RainSongs when I was your age.
Playing guitar on the beach is almost like
praying. You’ll
see… My
friend, Mick, can have all my American flags, because I
know how much he respects the flag and that he won’t
ever let it “touch the ground.”
Mick, you can have all my audio equipment, too.
I know you think that you can never have enough
amplifiers. I’d
like all my jewelry to be saved for any future
granddaughters. I
want them to know how much their grandfather loved
surprising me with “trinkets,” and how much I loved
every one. All
of my sisters are going to have to take care of my
brother Michael every year on his Birthday.
Call him. Send
him cards. And make sure he gets brownies.
He loves brownies.
Bring him a gallon of whole milk.
He’s been trying to cut down on his fat intake,
but I think on his Birthday, he should be entitled to
drink the whole bottle.
I
have three Precious Moments figurines.
I’d like my sister-in-law, Barb, to have those.
She loves Precious Moments figurines more
than anyone I know.
Actually, I suspect she’s keeping the company
in business. I
often think, if there were ever a fire in our house,
what would I risk my life to save?
What is so irreplaceable that I would run
right back into the house to get it? My
answer always is, our photo albums.
Pictures of our lives, a history of our
family. Memories.
What kind of price can you put on those? So,
I ask my sons to keep our photo albums and to treasure
them always. Please
keep them in a safe place.
Show them to your children and make sure they
know how valuable they were to their grandmother,
Caroline Kunz Barbieri.
Please make sure that they take good care of them
and pass them on to future generations. I
think that covers it all.
I feel a lot better now that I’ve written my
will. Now
I have to work on getting to Confession! http://www.ahherald.com/barbieri/ls011011_will.htm
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See this column next week. Contact Mayor Joan Smith - thesmitty1@home.com http://www.exit109.com/~townhall/ - Middletown Township Municipal Website Your
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DEREGULATION BRINGS MORE CHOICES FOR NJ RESIDENTS Most of us don't give much thought to energy or energy sources unless we experience an electrical shortage or a "blackout." Up until 1999, in New Jersey both the supply and delivery of your electricity were handled by your local utility with no opportunities for you, the consumer, to pick and choose who provided you with these energy deliverables. Now, with the new deregulation law, New Jersey Energy Choice, every resident in the state can shop around and choose the company that supplies their electricity. Furthermore, each resident is guaranteed additional automatic savings mandated by the program. In essence, you have the opportunity to choose the company that supplies your electricity, and continue to receive further discounts each year, no matter what supplier you choose. Your State Legislators have worked very hard to bring this deregulation and open energy marketplace to you, the consumer. Many of you have already taken advantage of this opportunity to "shop" for lower rates. It was only two years ago in the summer of 1999, that Monmouth County experienced a major heat wave, causing electrical blackouts across the Jersey Shore. This motivated some residents to take advantage of their opportunity to compare prices and reliability, and choose their energy supplier. In recent weeks we have had record-breaking temperatures while local area power companies have managed to continue uninterrupted energy service to all Shore area residents. This is a healthy outcome of an open-market, which forces energy companies to become more competitive and provide us, the customers, with the best possible service. Otherwise, like any other product and service, we can now choose to go elsewhere to obtain these services if we become dissatisfied. Aside from shopping for a more competitive energy rate, we must also do our part to conserve energy and observe its environmental impacts. Every year, a lot of energy goes right out the window-literally, by homes that are poorly insulated, have drafty windows, and inefficient appliances. All of this equals enormous energy waste and additional costs to consumers. Heating and cooling account for the largest portion of the average household's utility bill, followed by lighting, cooking and other appliances. To get started on your conservation efforts, contact your chosen utility for free tools that will help you assess both the efficiency of your energy use and opportunities for improvement. This includes do-it-yourself tips, as well as recommendations for professionally installed energy efficient measures. These measures, for the most part, do not cost you any money or require any real modifications to your home. If we all take time to implement a few inexpensive energy-efficiency measures, we can lower our energy bills and help to reduce air pollution and conserve the earth's precious natural resources. Aside from doing your part, the utilities must also take precautions to protect our environment. The New Jersey Board of Public Utilities (BPU) has a huge fund for renewable energy projects such as solar and wind power or "clean energy" as it is often referred to. With so many coal-burning power plants in the Midwestern United State and New Jersey being down-wind of these highly polluting sources, our efforts must not end within our state lines. Government must work to make all power sources accountable for the pollution they emit into the environment, keeping the air clean and safe for all citizens. A lawsuit has been filed by several Northeastern states, including New Jersey, who are downwind of these pollution emitting power plants to hold them accountable. This is definitely a step in the right direction to ensure responsibility for those who wish to stay in this competitive business. For those of us on the Jersey Shore, we are fortunate enough to know that things have changed within the past two years and they will continue to get better as we progress further into a fully deregulated marketplace. http://www.ahherald.com/trenton_talk/tt_011011_dereg_elec.htm - PRINT THIS ARTICLE Your
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WE DROPPED TO ONE KNEE Working with Mark Sherry of the Old Homestead Steakhouse of NYC we had the privilege of catering a memorial service this past Saturday for John Casazza a victim of the WTC. John had provided a magnificent home for his family in the rolling hills of Colts Neck. The pictures of him showed a dedicated son, husband, father, coach and businessman. He seemed tall and athletic, the type of man you would like to have as a friend. The sense of loss hit me as I worked around the home. There was a pair of his son's football spikes outside the back door. There were two pairs of golf clubs in the garage one his one his son's and numerous tennis rackets for various ages piled in the garage. His office was pristine with a picture of Bulls and Bears fighting on Wall Street. I sensed from the 200 people that showed up for the memorial that he was the type of man you would like to work with also. His was only one of 6000 such stories. 9/11 was a powerful punch right to the chest of America. It caused us all to drop to one knee. It hurt us emotionally and financially and more than that it changed our way of life. First there was shock and a need to do something, to help, to try to reach out to our families and friends that lost over 6000 loved ones. We started here the next day by setting up funding to support the families of the those that lost Fathers, Brothers, Sons, Daughters, Mothers and some still unborn. The Alliance of Neighbors is on target to raise one million dollars for the families of the victims of the WTC for Monmouth County Many have said it will change our lives, as we know it forever. Yes, it will change our lives. It woke us up and like the attack on Pearl Harbor it woke a sleeping giant. I spoke to an actor friend of mine in Dallas, Mark LaMura who used to be on All My Children. He said everyone in Dallas and everyone on the West Coast is as heartsick over this. They did not strike the WTC, they struck the whole country and with that they united us. They have no idea what will be coming at them over the next couple years. And we will be coming at them here on our own soil. It is time to change the open door policies as well as our cumbersome legal system. During WW II we suspended our constitution so we could do whatever was necessary to protect us at home. Maybe it is time to do that again. Perhaps if we do we can win back the American way of life we have always known. For years we left our guard down. We will never do that again. We are involved in a different type of war but it is still war and we are going to win it and in time we will have our way of life back again. Contact Daniel Murphy, Jr. - danssteaks@aol.com http://www.redbankrivercenter.org - Red Bank RiverCenter http://www.ahherald.com/window_redbank/wrb011011_one_knee.htm - PRINT THIS ARTICLE Your
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REPORTS OF RIVER, BAY AND OCEAN FISHIN 40 HOUR STRIPED BASS TOURNAMENT SET FOR NEXT WEEK: One of the goals of the Hi-Mar striped bass tournament is to raise funds so that the club can help various local charities. For instance, Hi-Mar supports the Monmouth/Ocean County Children's Diabetes Association by providing a mid-summer fluke trip for local youngsters aboard Capt. Larry Snow's Jersey Girl charter boat. The club has also adopted Camp Happiness in Leonardo, which is a home for blind men. The club members provide a personal touch for these organizations by routinely dropping off fresh fish for the residents of the home. To sign-up for the tournament follow the hyperlinks to either the printable entry form or register online HyPER STRIPER CONTINUES CANYON SUCCESS K-Kat Charters reports: Atlantic Highlands Party Boats The Prowler V has also given up on weakfish and switched Friday to bottom fishing. Capt. Scotty Hilliard said Thursday night bluefishing was hot at 17 Fathoms with over 350 caught along with some little tunny. Anthony Bing of Richmond, Ca. won the pool with a 16-pounder. Monday's canyon trip was blown out so they went Tuesday and fished the Texas Tower for a steady pick of 60-to-100-pound bluefins that resulted in 14 being boated along with a 120-pound mako, three dolphin and five pollock up to 35 pounds. click here for NJ DEP FISHING MINIMUM SIZES AND LIMITS
http://www.bahrs.com/weekfisrep.html - Visit Jay's No Bull Fishing Website http://www.ahherald.com/fish_report/nb_011011.htm - PRINT THIS ARTICLE
HOW TO IMPROVE YOUR ATHLETIC PERFORMANCE All sorts of athletes around the world have discovered the benefits of Chiropractic care for sports injuries. An interesting study, however, went beyond the care of injuries and asked if fully healthy athletes could improve performance with Chiropractic care. Numerous famous athletes have claimed that it does but until this study there had been no solid proof of that. For the study the researchers recruited male and female athletes from a wide variety of sports. None had ever been under care before. Each athlete underwent eleven different tests, which measured specific aspects of athletic ability. Half the group was placed on a 12-week program of chiropractic care. All the athletes continued to practice and train for their sport as usual. Perhaps because of the ongoing practice, both groups improved, but the group under chiropractic care improved significantly more. After six weeks the group that did not get chiropractic care showed a 4.5% increase in their overall athletic performance. The group under chiropractic improved 10.7% in the same period. At the end of the 12-week study the group under chiropractic care improved even more, a 16.7% increase in ability as measured by the 11 tests. Most athletes believe that if they are fit, well trained, and have no injuries that they are ready to compete. The results of this study indicate that chiropractic care can further improve their athletic performance. Now this was a pilot study, and from a scientific point of view, needs to be confirmed by a number of additional studies. For the athlete however, whose victory or defeat on the field of play can be determined by a fraction of a second, this study along with the testimony of people like Tiger Woods, Joe Montana, Arnold Schwarzenegger and hundreds of other professionals may be enough evidence to give chiropractic a try! To Your Health! Dr. Jay Mazzella practices at Gallagher Chiropractic Center located at 934 Hwy 36 Leonardo. You can call him at 291-5656 or send email to: GallagherChiro56@aol.com http://www.ahherald.com/health/tyh_011011_athletic.htm- PRINT THIS ARTICLE Your
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IN-STATE COLLEGE INFORMATION Although far from exhaustive, the following is some information I received regarding information sessions for New Jersey Colleges and Universities. Please pass it on to a senior near you.
Contact Carol at: ccaruso@monmouth.com Your
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sponsored by Atlantic
Cinemas HOW WELL DO YOU KNOW MONMOUTH COUNTY This Week's Question: Q: Can you name Monmouth County's three oldest townships? If you have not won in the last 30 days and you know the answer, send it to trivia@ahherald.com along with your name and the town where you live. The winner will be announced in next week's issue. ) Last Week's Question: Q: What device is found on the seal and flag of the County of Monmouth? Flora T. Higgins was the first person to correctly answer last week's question. A. A plough http://www.ahherald.com/trivia/lt011011.htm
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OYSTER FLOATS: Recently, the Atlantic Highlands Environmental Commission and the NY/NJ Baykeeper have been working with the Harbor Commission in Atlantic Highlands to plant an oyster garden in our local waters. The project is similar to what has been currently going on in Keyport where numerous local volunteers have planted oysters to create a new garden or reef in Keyport Harbor. The project in Atlantic Highlands will utilize volunteers to create oyster floats (which are containers that will hold about 50 oysters per container), deposit the oyster floats in the water, and to study and maintain the oysters once a month to make sure they develop in a healthy manner. A perfect opportunity exists now for local individuals, families, scouts, or school children to maintain an oyster float in the harbor and to have a direct positive effect on the future health of our estuarine waters. Ideally, up to six floats will be sustained in the harbor with one being supported by volunteer members of the Environmental Commission. This is an exciting and wonderful project for Atlantic Highlands. When Henry Hudson entered Sandy Hook Bay in 1609, he discovered a clean and healthy marine ecosystem with a diverse range of species. The clean waters of our rivers contained large populations of herring and sturgeon. Flights of ducks and other waterfowl filled many square miles of sky. Oyster banks rose from the seabed like rugged hills, their summits poking out of the water to form tiny islands. "It is a very good Harbor," wrote one of Hudson' s crew members about Sandy Hook Bay, "and (we) saw many salmons, and mullets, and rays very great." Today, as most of us are aware, the waters of Sandy Hook Bay are not as pure as they were in 1609. Establishing an oyster garden, however, will help to restore an oyster population that was once one of the best in the nation and help to improve our waters to provide habit for hundreds of species, including juvenile fish, crabs, and mussels. In addition, an oyster is a natural filter that can purify approximately 25 gallons of water per day. This means our oyster reef will naturally filter or remove excess algae and sediments, which will improve water quality for all species to enjoy. Oyster gardening is an educational activity that provides a unique opportunity for individuals, families, or groups to directly observe the hidden environment that is called an estuary. If you would like to participate, you can contact the Environmental Commission at Borough Hall by calling 291-1444, leave your name and telephone number and someone from the Commission will call back. You can also find out more information at the NY/NJ Baykeeper's website at http://www.nynjbaykeeper.org/oyster_garden.htm
sosap@gateway.net - contact Joe Reynolds Your
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TEST YOUR SOCIAL SECURITY I.Q. The following two quotes are both from reliable sources, but one is a myth and the other a fact. Which is which? "...the (Social Security) trust fund more accurately represents a stack of IOU's to be presented to future generations for payment, rather than a build-up of resources to fund future benefits." John C. Hambor, "Social Security Bulletin," October 1987. "The build-up [sic] of these (Social Security trust fund) reserves is expected to continue for several decades and will help fund benefits when the very large "baby-boom" generation retires. Meanwhile, Social Security will receive additional income from interest earned on the reserves." American Association for Retired Persons, "Social Security: Crucial Questions & Straight Answers," 1987. Answer: The first quote is a fact; the second is a myth. Most people believe that Social Security is a system separate and apart from general government. They also believe that the Social Security "trust fund" is a savings account for their retirement. Furthermore, they believe that Social Security benefits are a repayment of their years of contributions into this trust fund. Most Americans believe this because they have been told for years that their Social Security taxes were being contributed to a trust fund. To support this contention, Social Security taxes are called FICA taxes, short for Federal Insurance Contribution Act. In fact, federal government trust funds are nothing more than paper entries to show how much money would be in certain program accounts IF the government were to operate like a private financial institution. Before any real reform or solutions to the massive problems facing the Social Security system can be discussed, we must all have a clear understanding of how the Social Security system really works. Most of us believe that the financial operations of our federal government are extremely complex, but they are actually very simple. The federal government has only two real sources of cash inflow. One is taxes, and it makes no difference whether they are called FICA, income tax, excise tax, user fees, etc. The other is borrowing (T-bills, savings bonds, etc.). All government cash inflow goes into a single bucket. By the same token, all government spending comes out of the same bucket. The real federal deficit or surplus is always calculated the same way. If spending is greater than taxes (all taxes), money must be borrowed by issuing more T-bills, savings bonds, etc. The amount of this new borrowing equals the real deficit. If tax inflows are greater than spending, the excess cash is used to pay off any outstanding debt. The amount of debt paid off is equal to the real surplus. There has recently been legislation to move certain government spending and tax collections "off-budget." This has no effect on the real deficit or surplus, but it does alter the size of the deficit or surplus number reported to the public. Private citizens could do the same thing with their household budgets by removing the telephone bill from their list of monthly disbursements. Their monthly budget would show that they spent less money than they actually did. If they believed their budget, they would be lying to themselves. Federal trust funds were created to keep track of specific tax revenues that were promised to be used for certain purposes, such as Social Security, airport construction or unemployment benefits. But if more program taxes are collected than are spent on that specific program in a given year, the program's trust fund is said to run a surplus. When a federal trust fund runs a surplus, the U.S. Treasury gives that trust fund an IOU to be repaid by other future taxes. It is important to note that the IOU's held by federal trust funds are not really U.S. government debt in a strict financial sense. These IOU's do not represent private claims on government assets, such as T-bills or savings bonds. Whether the claims represented by trust fund surpluses will be repaid or not depends on the decisions of future Congresses, and, of course, the repayment claims also depend on the ability and willingness of future taxpayers to cover the IOU's. Therefore, the existence of a trust fund surplus does not guarantee that airports will be built or that unemployment or Social Security benefits will be paid. Rich Vera, CPA practices at CPA & Financial Services, LLC, located at 971 Leonardville Road, Atlantic Highlands. A full service firm offering Income Tax Preparation, IRS Representation, QuickBooks Support, Notary Public Services, Investment and Brokerage Services, Mortgages, and Prepaid Accounting Services. You can contact him at: Ph: (732) 291-8546 ¨ Fax: (732) 872-6447 ¨ E-mail: CPA@cpafs.com ¨ Visit: http://www.cpafs.com/ The author is a registered representative of H.D. Vest Investment Securities, Inc. Based in Texas, H.D. Vest provides financial services, including full service brokerage, professional money management, insurance, estate and retirement planning. For information, call (732) 291-8546. http://www.ahherald.com/dollars/011011_test_iq.htm - PRINT THIS ARTICLE Your
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LISTEN
TO GLOBAL RADIO WITH WinFM I was always fascinated by short wave reception of radio stations from around the world. In post World War II Poland, I listened to the British Broad-casting Corporation (BBC), to the Voice of America, and to the Armed Forces Network to get the latest world news and entertainment. I still use my short wave communications receiver, but with the recent demise of BBC transmissions to North America, I am slowly switching to the Internet. Thousands of radio stations around the world, in addition to broad-casting over the air waves, are also sending their programs over the Internet. Some stations, like the BBC World Service, not only provide "live" Internet broadcast, but also archive their most popular pro-grams for Internet reception on demand. An example is the weekly "Letter from America" by Alistair Cooke; dozens of past segments can be played on demand. To be able to listen to Internet radio broadcasts, you need an Internet connection, sound card, speakers, and appropriate software. About 2 years ago, I reviewed the www.vtuner.com site which keeps a global database of Internet radio stations. You can listen to them with the RealPlayer software, which you can downloaded for free from www.realaudio.com. An even more convenient way to listen to Internet broadcasting stations, including my favorite BBC World Service, is with the WinFM program from inKline Software Labs in Singapore. You can download the limited demo version of the program, find more details, or purchase a permanent license at: http://www.inKlineGlobal.com. The WinFM registration fee is $19.95. However, club members receive a 15% discount off the usual price as long as they mention "FM-PCUSER" in the COMMENTS field of the order form. This of-fer is good until the end of October 2001. WinFM comes configured with a dozen broad-cast stations. You can subtract or add stations from its built-in database, which you can regularly up-date on-line. When you add stations to WinFM, you can choose either by country (Afghanistan to Zimbabwe) or by type of station (Alternative to Urban Hip-Hop). The user interface is similar to an actual FM radio as shown at the top of this page. You click on buttons to select a station, and you can change volume with a sliding control. Even with my low speed modem connection to the Internet, the sound quality of most stations was quite good – close to an actual FM station with very few dropouts. With a high speed Internet connection, the sound quality should be even better. Happy listening! http://www.bcug.com/sig/sig_sched2.html http://www.ahherald.com/bcug/bs011011_global_radio.htm - PRINT THIS ARTICLE Your
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THREE NEW CHIEFS CONGRATULATED ON USS ARCTIC Reaching a pinnacle in their Naval careers, three First Class Petty Officers onboard USS ARCTIC recently learned they were selected as the newest Chief Petty Officers. After passing a rate advancement exam and chosen by a selection board, they were frocked during a ceremony held onboard USS ARCTIC at sea on September 14, 2001. Machinery Repairman (SW) Chief Petty Officer Stanley Makarczyk, Engineman (SW) Chief Petty Officer Timothy Burress, and Yeoman (SW) Chief Petty Officer Roger Timms had Chief collar devices pinned on by their sponsors in a formal presentation held onboard. Ship's company looked on as Captain Garry White, Commanding Officer of USS ARCTIC, and Command Master Chief Terry Stickles officiated during the proud moment. Chief Makarczyk had all but given up hope of making Chief after missing the selection board's endorsement nine straight times until the good news of 2001's selectees. He said, "I was totally stunned!" Enduring a six week boot camp style initiation process administered by ARCTIC's Chief Mess, the rigorous and challenging trials were demanding but well worth the effort, said Chief Makarczyk. After the ceremony, the new Chiefs, dressed for the first time in their khaki uniform, were congratulated by the crew. Surviving the right of passage, they now represent a proud Naval heritage characterized by the Chief's Mess. Leaders and mentors in their own right, ARCTIC's three new Chiefs will add their experience to the wealth of knowledge that reinforces the Navy hierarchy and liaison between young Enlisted Sailors and the Officers responsible for their well being. Contact USS Arctic Public Affairs - 2NDDIVO@arctic.navy.mil /www.ahherald.com/scuttlebutt/2001/sb011011_new_chiefs.htm - PRINT THIS ARTICLE Your
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Local Volunteer Opportunities from the Volunteer Center of Monmouth County http://www.ahherald.com/lend_a_hand/index.html
ORDINARY PEOPLE Ordinary people, doing ordinary
things: Ordinary people, doing ordinary
things: Ordinary people, doing ordinary
things: Ordinary people, doing ordinary
things: GILDA KREUTER (editors note: Do you have poetry to share? Send your submission to editor@ahherald.com.) http://www.ahherald.com/poet/pl011011_ordinary_people.htm - PRINT THIS ARTICLE Your
Comments PICTURE THIS! Click the image to see a larger picture. http://www.ahherald.com/picture_this/pt_011011.htm - or click here Picture This! We'll show you a photo each week and you tell us where in Monmouth County that photo was taken. Be the first person to respond with the correct answer and we will publish your name and the town where you live. Can you identify the location from this photo taken in Monmouth County, NJ? Last Week's Picture This! Answer Tracy McGavin of Atlantic Highlands was the first to correctly identify the location last week. A: The flags are flying at Mt. Mitchill in Atlantic Highlands http://www.ahherald.com/picture_this/pt_011011.htm - last week's Picture This! photo COURIER
EDITOR CALLS THE AHHERALD "A RAG" Some of our readers might have read an October 11th Courier editorial which excoriated me on my report of the Spirits Unlimited vandalism in late September. I say might because so few read the Courier anymore. For those that missed the AHHerald report, you can find it in our archives or you may view it here: http://www.ahherald.com/news/010927/spirits_unlimited.htm The Courier editor, Jim Purcell, was perfuse in his praise for me at the beginning of his editorial, saying I was, "innovative, and though a little green, had an impulse toward serious journalism." He went on to say, "Dean's story was good work, right up until the end, when he asked if Assemblyman Joseph Azzolina would retract his statements made in a press release "given the real war being waged on terrorism." To put the Assemblyman's comments into context it should be noted that his press release was condemning Township officials and more specifically the people of Concerned Citizens of Middletown for their opposition to a proposed Town Square that the Azzolina and Scaduto families are proposing for their property on Highway 35 in Middletown. He said that he believes that some leaders of the Concerned Citizens of Middletown have, " at the very least, inspired the vandalism through it's campaign against the proposed project." "This group has created a hostile atmosphere in Middletown by spreading lies, distortions and misinformation about the Town Square," said Assemblyman Azzolina in the press release. "This malicious propaganda has been supported by certain township officials, who have given comfort to the local group and to some radical, associated or not associated persons, to commit this destructive act." Purcell has the greatest trouble with the last paragraph of my report which states, "When asked by a reporter if he would retract or step back from his heated rhetoric given the real war being waged on terrorism, Assemblyman Azzolina said he would have 'no comment'". Sadly, the Assemblyman, or more directly his hired henchman, has now decided to take swipes at me. Purcell tries to bolster his editorial by beating his chest and claiming to be a former paratrooper and intelligence professional. How pathetic! I, too, am a veteran, but how does it serve the readers to know I served in the U.S. Navy as a hospital corpsman caring for the sick and injured? Frankly it surprises me very little to learn - from a columnist on your staff - that circulation at the Courier has declined from 12,000 to 8,000 over the years. And of course that is using the typical print multiplier. What do you actually print? 6,000 papers hoping that more than one person will read it before it ends up in the landfill. At least you are saving some money on ink. The AHHerald has continued to grow in it's two years of weekly publication. Now serving nearly 18,000 per week on our website, through email, and newsgroups. No multipliers here. And no ink to rub off on your hands either. Perhaps your advertisers should know that. I must do a better job of banging on doors and letting them know. It seems about the only thing Purcell got right in his editorial was the spelling of my name. He writes, "When Courier reporters write news, it is through quotes, paraphrasing others (not ourselves) and reporting what is there from credible sources. Mr. Dean linked 'the real war on terrorism' to a string of attacks by vandals." To the contrary, Assemblyman Azzolina did that with comments like "malicious propaganda", "provided comfort", "some radical, associated or not associated persons, to commit this destructive act." He was given the opportunity to step back from his remarks. He chose not to and we reported that. http://www.ahherald.com/readers_write/011011_spelled_name.htm - PRINT THIS ITEM Your
Comments OPEN LETTER TO OUR ARMED FORCES When tragedy strikes, as it has in our country, Americans will band together and show their support and patriotism for our country. I just wanted to take a moment to write a letter of thanks to all of the men and women who show their patriotism for this country 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year. Our Armed Forces work everyday to be ready when the time comes to step up and fight for freedom around the world. They work year round doing whatever it takes to keep our military ready and able should the need arise. These men and women work hard, giving up weekends, holidays and many times being away from family and friends for extended periods of time. As civilians, we probably don’t take time to acknowledge the daily job done by these people. We just know that when the time comes they will be there for us. When something like this happens and America has to stand up for the freedom that we value so much, the Armed Forces are the ones who will go do whatever needs to be done to protect that freedom for all of us. Many will have to leave their wives, husbands, children, family and friends behind as they go perform the duties for which they have been trained. God willing they will all return but there is the reality that some may not. There are no words that can really thank all of these people for the sacrifices that they have and will make for all of us. If it were possible to thank each and every one of them for their dedication and devotion to freedom I would, but since I can’t, I wanted to write a letter to tell them how much I appreciate their service to our country. Thank you for being there to protect us. Thank you for devoting your lives to help keep our nation free. Thank you for all of the work that you do everyday of the year to keep our military the strongest in the world. May God bless all of our Armed Forces and their families as they continue to protect this country and it’s freedom for all of us. Sincerely, Colleen
Burge http://www.ahherald.com/readers_write/011011_armed_forces.htm - PRINT THIS ITEM Your
Comments GREEN PARTY SUPPORTS PEACE WITH JUSTICE The Green Party of New Jersey regrets the bombing of Afghanistan by the United States and Britain. This unilateral aggression on the part of the United States and British governments can only lead to an increase in the cycle of violence and the loss of innocent civilian lives. We urge an end to this use of military force. We believe that part of the resolution of the problem of terrorism in general lies in a culture of justice in international affairs. We believe that justice for the September 11th terrorist attacks should be sought through diplomatic channels and in a specially convened world court of international law, modeled on the International Criminal Court proposed in the Rome Statute. Many countries that support the US in its outrage about the events of September 11 have counseled continuing to pursue diplomatic paths to apprehending those complicit in the attacks on the US. We further urge the US government to ratify and to champion ratification of the Rome Statute among its allies and trading partners to provide a permanent venue for seeking international justice. We stand with all peace-loving people in condemning terrorism. We mourn the catastrophic loss of life at the World Trade Center, the Pentagon and in Pennsylvania on September 11th. Because we are a Party that has as one of our key values the principle of nonviolence, we also condemn the air strikes and other military action in retribution. As A..J. Muste said, "There is no way to peace. Peace is the way." We also stand firmly with those of Arab descent or who are Muslim or who have been the victims of harassment and violence solely because of their appearance or beliefs. We stand with those who are alarmed at the limitations on civil liberties in the wake of September 11th in the form of so-called "antiterrorism" legislation. We call for extending the privacy provisions of telecommunications law to email and other internet communications--requiring reasonable cause and a duly executed search warrant in order to surveil those communications. We call for great care in any extension of existing powers to surveil justified by changing technology. It is critical that our laws remain consistent with the right to privacy of communications, regardless of the media or technology. We also call for an end to racial profiling and a renewed commitment to the Constitutional rights to privacy and to be free from unreasonable searches and seizures. We call for peace loving people in New Jersey to organize and attend peace vigils, teach-ins and demonstrations for peace and civil liberties. MORE INFORMATION: Green Party of New Jersey: www.gpnj.org Rome Statute / International Criminal Court: Joe Fortunato, Chair, Green Party of NJ http://www.ahherald.com/readers_write/011011_green_party.htm - PRINT THIS ITEM Your
Comments THANKFUL WE LIVE INA WONDERFUL & GIVING COMMUNITY Like everyone in Monmouth County, the staff; board members, volunteers and clients affiliated with the Women's Center of Monmouth County, Inc. (WCMC), were horrified by the attacks on the World Trade Center and the Pentagon. We mourn the loss of so many people and the rescue workers. We think of all the victims as members of our family, the American family. So many individuals, businesses, and non-profits from our region have responded to the tragedy with an outpouring of love and faith, donations and volunteerism, and renewed spirit. We are moved by their selflessness and generosity. Everywhere I went, I heard stories about those who survived the attacks. Everyone has a story about how they first learned about the horror. Some people witnessed the attacks, some were going to work, some were watching television, some were in meetings interrupted with announcements of one and then 2 planes crashing into the World Trade Center. In our own Women's Center family, our executive director's brother survived his initial injuries and just recently died because of the trauma his body experienced. The Women's Center also joined the many county and state referral resources as an agency that will provide free bereavement counseling to any adult, adolescent or child in our community seeking help in addressing the trauma of the attacks. One of our counselors issued a list of "Tips for Parents" to be distributed to students in schools, and she has offered her services to help the students to cope while in the school. The Amanda's Easel an therapy program has already helped all our children in Shelter and is available to help children in the broader community. Like all in our community, we are trying to help heal the pain. Upon reflection, I am also very moved by stories that describe how we responded when we learned the news: we all tried to get home on September 11 to be with our families. Even now, when people talk to me, their eyes turn red and fill with tears. They describe their anguish in trying to learn where family members were; to be with them to provide comfort, to say, "I love you," and to express how grateful they were to be alive. Imagine, how you' might feel If you didn't have a safe home to return to. That's the reality the clients of the Women's Center face - sometimes, they are homeless and living in our shelters, sometimes, they have to return to homes that are unsafe and without love. We see tragedy everyday, and we offer the promise of hope and healing as residents struggle with domestic violence and sexual assault. Everyday, for 25 years, the Women's Center has confronted family violence with award-winning counseling and outreach services for women and children. We are ending our 25th Anniversary year with a special celebration on October l2th to fund our existing services. Even in these tough times, families are still suffering. The Women's Center also provides court-mandated counseling for batterers in order to break the cycle of violence. The 155,000 people whose lives were changed during our 25 years of service could not have accomplished their life transitions without the public's help. We thank you for that partnership and support. Tonight, as we gather for dinner with family and friends, let us think reflect on how precious life is and how fortunate we are to be with the ones we love. Let us continue our efforts to help all the World Trade Center's surviving families heal from the incomprehensible violence. Let us also renew our pledge to make New Jersey and our nation promote non-violence in our families. Let us work together to recommit our efforts to make every home a safe home, where family violence will not be tolerated. Thank you, Monmouth County, for your longstanding support, and may God bless us all during these trying times. Theresa Seitz http://www.ahherald.com/readers_write/011011_giving_community.htm - PRINT THIS ITEM Your
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