Keeping up with the Bayshore

Discussion: The planning board will be looking at a proposal to determine if the 3+ acre Mother Teresa property should be rehabilitated/redeveloped to the benefit of the neighborhood and the borough. Note: there are no specific design plans for the site being discussed at Thursday’s meeting. My thanks, praise and appreciation to Mark Fisher, an Atlantic Highlands resident who truly cares for his town and shows it by the attention he pays to every meeting, every action, every decision those in authority plan on taking. He doesn’t generally take sides or recommend actions on anything; he simply wants to be sure everyone has the facts as much as possible. From experience, he knows the leaders in this borough actually listen to the residents, make changes when they hear better ideas and like input from the public. His latest e-mail to everyone on his e-mail list goes into some detail on the St. Agnes school property and how decisions will impact this community for generations. He’s simply making community residents aware the planning board will be looking at the results of an independent review of what should or could happen to the property which at more than three acres will certainly make a difference not only in that part, but all over town. Mark tells the story in his e-mail, which I’m included below. Hi, Everybody: Just letting you all know that discussions with the Trenton Diocese continue regarding the possible acquisition of the Mother Teresa property. While this is occurring, a study requested by the Council and Planning Board determined that the tract is eligible to be considered as an area in need of rehabilitation and redevelopment. This Thursday, the Planning Board will vote to either accept or reject the findings of the independent review. Should the Planning Board vote to accept the study, the Council will then begin to hold workshops with the public to determine how best to proceed. You might recall that at the original workshop, public comments seemed to indicate most were interested in a community recreation center, open space and affordable senior housing for the property. The idea of the Borough purchasing this tract originated close to two years ago and at least a couple developers have expressed an interest for the property to the Diocese. The Diocese has given the borough first right of refusal. While the true purchase price has not been made known, there are indications that it may be around $2 million. A re-development attorney will most-likely make testimony Thursday night as to where the Borough stands in the purchase process, what the next-steps would be procedurally, and what happens if the Planning Board says ‘no’. I would hope that there will be time allotted for ‘public comment’ for this specific item, it is listed as a hearing on the meeting agenda: “7. Hearing on Area in need of Redevelopment - Mother Teresa Regional School Property, Block 139, Lot 5, 55 South Avenue.” Looking at the Agenda items before Item 7., the Mother Teresa hearing should start within the first half-hour of the meeting. Put it on your calendars to listen-in to the Zoom meeting. Go to AHNJ.com and go to the invitation to listen in to the meeting for the Planning Board.

HIGHLANDS – Historical Society President Sheila Weinstock told the Mayor and Council at its meeting last week that the Historical Society of Highlands has officially named the annual award it presents to a deserving graduating senior at Henry Hudson Regional High School "The Nina Light Flannery Memorial Scholarship Presented by the Historical Society of Highlands." Mrs. Flannery passed away unexpectedly at home last month after a short illness. Her family has requested donations in her memory be directed to the Nina L. Flannery Scholarship Fund, Historical Society of Highlands, P.O. Box 13, Highlands, NJ 07732. The award is open to graduating seniors at the school and has been presented annually for the past five years. Flannery was a past vice president and secretary of the historical society was appointed Civic Liaison for the society two years ago. In that capacity, Flannery, who retired as Highlands borough clerk and administrator after 22 years in the position, was responsible for keeping the connections with borough officials alive and well, using her contacts and "know how" to further the educational efforts of the Society. The former clerk was also instrumental in setting up the annual scholarship and co-chaired the fund raising efforts on its behalf. Having served for several years as a member of the Highlands Board of Education, Flannery was dedicated to making educational opportunities equitable for all of the borough's children. She was a 7th generation Highlander, was involved with the Historical Society since its founding in 1990 and was the liaison between the HSH and the Highlands Garden Club, the Highlands Lions Club and the Highlands Business Partnership.

HIGHLANDS - For six decades, the Twin Lights Historical Society thrived where other organizations sometimes struggled, drawing a steady stream of visitors with the spectacular panoramic vista from its two towers, as well as a superb small museum and eclectic museum store. When the Covid-19 pandemic began in 2020 and the state ordered the lighthouse to shut its doors, the Society found itself adrift, with no obvious way to remain relevant and engage new visitors. During the first few months of the pandemic, trustee Mark Stewart dug into the Society’s immense collection of nautical, lifesaving and New Jersey cultural artifacts and began posting several images each week on Facebook. The Society’s curator, Joanne Sutton, and her volunteer corps had photographed and catalogued every item, so there was plenty to choose from. It was purely experimental, he admits. “I wanted to see if people actually valued what we do here,” he explains. “From mid-March to the end of June, we had 50,000 views and a ton of shares, so obviously that told us people wanted to stay connected to us and one another. Which was gratifying. But there did not seem to be any rhyme or reason to what people liked.” At the February 17, 2021 board meeting of the Twin Lights Historical Society, Stewart, an author and historian with a background in branding and marketing, reported what happened next: The Society launched a daily Facebook series entitled “Twin Lights People,” which featured mini-bios of individuals with a connection to the lighthouse—often direct, yet just as often tenuous. “That was part of the fun,” he says, “seeing how people from Babe Ruth to Thomas Edison to Robert E. Lee to Isaac Asimov were linked to Twin Lights. The guy who invented the Vulcan ‘live long and prosper’ greeting for Star Trek hung out in Highlands. Just a ton of great stories. People also rediscovered dozens of local legends and shared their memories. No surprise, the bootleggers around here were especially popular. We received a lot of help and input from the legion of historians who live in the area, which was very helpful.” The Twin Lights People series drew more than 350,000 views between July and October, not including the hundreds of “shares” it generated, and the Society’s social media following increased by more than 25 percent, enabling the organization to keep in touch with its fans and update them as reopening day approaches. In November, the Society began devoting its Facebook page to lighthouse keepers around the world and their remarkable stories in a series entitled “Jeepers Keepers.” That campaign is closing in on 100,000 Facebook views and, according to Stewart, winning new followers in the broader lighthouse-lover community. The Jeepers Keepers posts will continue every few days at least through summer. Since Twins Lights closed its doors to the public last March, people have “visited” the lighthouse via social media around a half-million times. Needless to say, when the site reopens, the Society will continue to engage fans with fun facts and photos and compelling storytelling. Next up? “What do Madleine Albright, Tom Carvel, Johnny Weissmuller and Albert Einstein have in common?” Stewart asks. “They all watched the Twin Lights poke above the horizon as they entered New York harbor as immigrants. That’s a powerful common denominator and we want to tell the stories of the immigrant experience as it relates to this area. I know they are worth telling because I have seen how emotional people get when they climb the towers here and realize they are looking down on the moment their ancestors knew they had ‘made it’ to their new home.” At the February board meeting, the Society agreed to launch this as-yet-unnamed Facebook series in the spring or summer, and is planning to involve local schools in the research and writing of these mini-bios. It will be a small piece of the Society’s larger plan to involve more young people in the site through new interactive exhibits and family activities. The entire Twin Lights People and Jeepers Keepers series can be found on the Society’s Facebook page or by searching for the hashtags #TwinLIghtsPeople and #JeepersKeepers. A link to the Facebook page can be found on the new twinlightslighthouse.org web site.

MANALAPAN – Women’s History Month at the Monmouth County Library features talks by leading authors and historians on important roles women have played throughout the ages, and contributions they have made to a variety of educational, r recreational, intellectual and business fields. Historian Mary Rasa will present Women Lighthouse keepers, a program highlighting women in one of the first government career fields open to them. The program will begin at 10:30 a.m. Tuesday, March 9, and will tell the story of how lighthouse keepers taught their wives and daughters how to man the lights, leading to their recognition and certification as official or assistant keepers of the lights in the US Lighthouse Service. Casa, who is a former park ranger for the National Park Service, holds an undergraduate degree in historic preservation and a master’s degree in library science. She has conducted more than 1,000 programs for audiences of children, academic and professional conferees, senior citizens and historical societies. “We are Present and Future Women,” presented by Bernadette Rogoff, will focus on the Freehold Young Ladies’ Seminary, one of the most prestigious female educational institutes on the eastern seaboard during the last half of the 19th century. Rogoff, an author and Director of Collections for the Monmouth County Historical Association, has been a curator for more than 30 years and is recognized as one of the leading detailers of Monmouth County history. Her program will also include primary documents and objects from the Historical Association’s collection and give a 21st century look into the lives of the young ladies who attended the school. On Tuesday, March 30, Linda Kenyon, stage and film actress, will present “A Life of My Own:” the story of Eleanor Roosevelt, wife of the nation’s longest-serving President and a women who made history throughout her lifetime and became an inspiration to people all over the world. Kenyon, wearing period attire, embodies the former First Lady in voice and personal touches during the presentation. Wednesday, March 31, The Skirt and Stocking Clad Soldier, the story of women in the military during World War II, will be presented at 7 p.m. The program highlights both women who joined the military during the war as well as those who served as civilian defense workers. Featured will be stories of the Women’s Army Corps members at both Fort Monmouth and Fort Hancock, and the work women did nursing the inured, as office staffers, and in motor pools, how they lived in barracks and ate in mess halls, and where they went into war zones and gave their lives in defense of the nation. Women are also featured both as instructors and creators in a number of other programs throughout the month. On Wednesday, March 10, author and organizer Jamie Novak will present a program on improving personal organizational skills, highlighting what to keep, what to toss in order to de-stress, de-clutter and keep a neater life. Her 7 p.m. program will include ideas and advice on being organized. Thursday, March 11, Author Deborah Mura will lead a virtual discussion on her novel, “Stronger than the Storm,” the story of Hurricane Sandy through the eyes of a 15-year old girl and her friends. The event is co-sponsored by Brookdale Community College and the Monmouth County Library and is sponsored by The Resilient Communities: Libraries respond to climate-control grant from the American Library Association. All programs are available at no charge and are detailed on www.MonCoLibrary.org. All registrations can be completed through the site’s Upcoming Events list which will include information on how to access each program. Most registrations close the day before each program, with links mailed to registrants the day of the program.

HIGHLANDS – Charges lodged by the borough’s code enforcement officer against two separate companies involved with Captain’s Cove Marina were postponed in municipal court Tuesday, after Judge Thomas Smith III set a new hearing date for March 17. On the calendar Tuesday were two charges against Excalibur Group for failing to obtain a street opening permit. That firm is represented by attorney Robert Stanicki, of MacKevich, Burke & Stanicki law firm in Clark. Three complaints were issued to Captain’s Cove Marina, represented by Brian Nelson and Michael Collins of Archer Law, Red Bank. These complains include one for illegal dumping, one for failing to acquire a permit to move or allow soil to be moved, and one for failing to obtain a sign permit. The spoils were dumped on an unused borough right-of-way adjacent to residential housing on Huddy Avenue. Also discussed in court Tuesday were four complaints issued to Turnkey Resources LLC for conditions at a vacant lot where a sandy damaged and dilapidated structure at 44 Fourth St had been demolished and debris was left on the site, including an unregistered trailer with a boat attached and overgrown weeds Jason Pressman of the MacKevich, Burke & Stanicki firm is representing Turnkey . All three companies list James E. MacKevich, as the “Agent/Service of Process” contact. The three companies, along with 14 more, are all owned by Jeoffrey Pierini who owns Captain’s Cove Marina. MacKevich is also listed as the CEO, member, managing member or Secretary of each of the companies. All of the complaints signed by Brunt are made out to the individual companies as opposed to individuals of the businesses. .

MANALAPAN – The Monmouth County Library is “marching into March” with an entirely new series of virtual programs featuring everything from meeting Eleanor Roosevelt and a pair of Irish immigrants to gardening tips, yoga and celebrating female lighthouse keepers. With indoor visits to the County’s headquarters and branches still limited because of state regulations, staff has produced a variety of programs which are offered at no cost and conducted on a virtual platform. In some cases, registration is required in advance, and can be completed online at the library website’s Upcoming Events list. Tuesday, March 9, historian Mary Rasa, a former museum curator and park ranger for the National Park Service, will present Women Lighthouse keepers, stories of one of the first government career fields open to women. Keepers taught their wives and daughters how to tend the light which led to the women becoming official or assistant keepers. Included in Rasa’s presentation will be stories about one former Monmouth County resident who was a long time lighthouse keeper. The program will be presented at 10:30 a.m. Tuesday, March 30, at 7 p.m. stage and film actress Linda Kenyon will present Eleanor Roosevelt, wife of the longest serving President of the United States, in a one-woman play by author Stephen Larocque. Sunday, March 14, Kathy DeAngelo and Dennis Gormley will perform songs and stories from the times of Irish immigrants first coming to the United States in search of the streets paved with gold, wealth and opportunity. The concert will feature traditional Irish music on fiddle, harp, flute, guitar and banjo by the couple who have been performing together for more than 40 years. The Master Gardeners will offer a Virtual Helpline on Thursday, March 4 at 7 p.m. when Diane Larson, Monmouth County horticulturist gives assistance on gardening questions. For this virtual program, questions should be e-mailed in advance to MonCoLibrary2021@gmail.com no later than Wednesday, March 3. Virtual Yoga is offered weekdays between 11 and 2 p.m. and again evenings every weekday at 5 p.m. Other programs offered by the library during March, and available virtually are wellness seminars, bereavement groups, book and film discussion clubs, protections from scammers, knitting and crocheting classes, English as a second language, special children’s and teens programs, hot to become organized, information on Covid-19 vaccines, diet and health, and author talks. All programs are free and further information on each is available on the Library’s Upcoming Events list available at MonCoLibrary.org. ‘

HIGHLANDS – The Mayor and Council postponed the second reading and public hearing on the proposed $10 million bond authorization for the planned Borough Hall construction, promising a public hearing with more information prior to the March 3 regularly scheduled meeting of the governing body. As Wednesday’s meeting of the governing body, Mayor Carolyn Broullon indicated “a lot of people want to talk about it again” although there had been a meeting in September 2019. She indicated not a lot has changed since then and things have been delayed both because of a change in the governing body and “our dear friend Covid.” The mayor said the borough administrator, Michael Muscillo, who was not present for the meeting, is setting a date before March 3 so the public will have an opportunity to hear reports from the financial officer, architect and attorney and the public will then have an opportunity to ask questions. That date will be advertised and it is anticipated the public hearing on the proposed bond ordinance could then be acted upon at the regular March 3 meeting. The governing body did approve by a majority vote an ordinance which now permits retail or wholesale establishments, businesses persons or entities selling or offering for sale marijuana or marijuana products for both medicinal and recreational use. The governing body had introduced the proposed code last month based on approval by 76 per cent of Highlands voters who responded to the 2020 statewide ballot question the legalization of cannabis and allowing for its cultivation, processing and sale. Council-member Linda Mazzola opposed the ordinance said that while the state has legalized marijuana the borough’s business district is also residential and she is concerned cannabis stores and businesses could be established adjacent to private homes. The councilwoman said she could just not face a family with children if she approved such a facility to be near their homes, reiterating, “I just can’t.” Councilwoman Jo-Ann Olszewski, who approved the new code permitting cannabis businesses, likened it to liquor stores which the borough supports and which are in the same type of neighborhood and possibly even adjacent to residences. During the public portion at the end of the meeting several out of town residences praised the governing body for their actions and approval of the code permitting both recreational and medicinal distribution and use of cannibas. In response to a question from resident Kim Skorka each of the five members of the governing body indicated he or she have no plans to have any connections or businesses with any proposed business involving cannabis, and no one has heard from any company requesting their business to come into the borough. In response to questions from Joseph Nardone, Council indicated questions on the number of dispensaries would be referred to the land use board whenever the need arose. The governing body took no action on a statement from MS Skorka that with Sea Streak becoming mor active, continuing traffic problems at the intersection of Shore Drive and Waterwitch Avenue continue to be a concern and should be addressed, a matter which has been before the governing body in the past. Her statements came in the wake of Council unanimously approving stop signs for Second St. at its intersection with Valley St., when no one objected during the public hearing. Terming his concerns for beryllium “ridiculous” Mayor Broullon referred out-of-area resident Jim Smith to the borough engineer, Ben Matlack, who said testing has been done on dredge soils, which have been removed from the borough owned land adjacent to Captain’s Cove Marina but have not yet been returned from the testing center. The engineer said samples were taken last week and had been held up a little bit but results should be returned any day or at least in time for a report at the March 3 meeting. Smith also reiterated former Councilman Chris Francy’s concerns that the governing body is giving too much power and authority to the mayor when the borough is governed under the five members of council having equal powers.

ATLANTIC HIGHLANDS – Residents of this borough may have plenty of questions about the effects and benefits of the borough going on the Monmouth County dispatch system, but one thing is clear. They certainly love, respect and are grateful for their local police department. Council took no action at the end of an almost three hour long public meeting last night on the benefits or deficits of eliminating the four dispatcher positions at the borough police department in favor on going on the county-wide system with emergency and non-emergency calls answered by a telecommunications specialist in Freehold. Final action by the governing body is anticipated at the next meeting of the Mayor and Council. Police Chief David Rossbach gave an explanation why the borough would benefit greatly both in safety and economics by joining the more sophisticated and far reaching system already in place in most of the neighboring communities, with Undersheriff Robert Dawson responding to questions and giving more details about the county dispatch system. Dawson, a former Police Chief in Spring Lake, is in charge of the County 9-1-1 Communications Center. Members of council asked several questions before the meeting was opened to questions and comments from the public. Borough resident Mark Fisher, a regular follower and frequent questioner of all borough meetings, cited statistics and facts he had learned in doing research on the proposal. He noted that 50 of the county’s 53 municipalities currently use 9-1-1 call forwarding for emergency calls, with 25 towns, 80 fire departments, 39 first aid squads and others, for a total of 194 separate entities of various sizes and population, already use the dispatch system the borough is considering. Only one municipality, Spring Lake, has ever joined the system than left. “That represents a 99.5 percent satisfaction rating,” Fisher told the governing body. More than a dozen residents spoke out during the hearing, most asking questions about how the change will impact how calls made to 291-1212 will differ from calls made to 9-1-1, and the chief explaining all calls to both numbers will be handled in the same manner. The difference he said, is a higher degree of sophistication and technology, together with a more immediate response both in information sharing and dispatching emergency equipment where needed with the new County dispatch system. Some residents cited personal experiences where they were frightened by the length of time it took for an ambulance to respond to a call, but all praised or cited “the police department was there in two minutes” or “five minutes” or “immediately.” Council members and the chief sympathized with the residents, expressed gratitude each serious situation ended well in spite of fear and frustration, but offered the delay in EMTs responding may have been the result of the inability to get volunteer first aid squad members or drivers to get to the site rather than any delay in transmitting the necessary information. Jim Krause noted that “no system is ever perfect,” but added “this is a no brainer. I support it.” Other residents followed suit in spite of a variety of concerns, with Rossbach continuing to respond to questions about everything from special events and what will happen to the current dispatchers once their jobs are eliminated. One resident also singled out Sgt. Steve Doherty, whom, he said, not only calmed him in his anxiety while the resident was waiting for the ambulance and observing his wife suffering a heart attack, but also “saved her life.” He praised the entire police department in spite of a frightening experience he had in calling the 9-1-1 number, but after hearing Rossbach explained how the new system will be an improvement said he believes “the upgrade will be good for us.”

MANALAPAN – Three days of unusual entertainment and history are being offered at no charge by the Monmouth County Library via link connections to the library’s Upcoming Events page. Wednesday, Feb. 17, author and professional storyteller Lou DelBianco will offer “Out of Rushmore’s Shadow” the Luigi DelBianco Story, at 10:30 a.m. The author will portray and tell the story of his grandfather, the late Luigi DelBianco, the chief carver of the Mount Rushmore National Memorial for four Presidents of the United States. DelBianco will talk about the unsung contributions of his grandfather and will include photos, timelines and primary source documents to bring the story of an earlier generation to life. The National Monument, including sculptures of George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, Theodore Roosevelt and Abraham Lincoln, was carved in the granite face of the Black Hills of South Dakota between 1927 and 1941. On Thursday, Feb. 18, at 7 p.m. John Fabiano will present “A Servant Girl at Mrs. Watkins: Molly Pitcher’s Local Origin.” The program, cosponsored by the Monmouth County Historical Association in conjunction with the library, will be presented by the executive director of the Monmouth County Historical Commission as he outlines his current research on the possibility the woman known as Molly Pitcher may well have been a servant in Allentown who added Washington during the Monmouth campaign. Fabiano will bring out the genealogical research, curious mind and clever and old-fashioned detective work that leads him to the possibility of knowing more about the origin of Molly, and how she may have a connection with the Allen House, the Historical Association’s historic building at the historic Four Corners in Shrewsbury. Friday, Feb. 19, at 10:30 a.m. author Jonathan Schilling will present Super Bomb, a story about the organizational conflict and the development of the hydrogen bomb. Schilling will be discussing his own work on the book Super Bomb, written by his late father, Professor Warner R. Schilling and last professor Ken Young. The book, which is non-fiction, relates the events that led up to President Harry Truman’s decision to develop the super hydrogen bomb, as well as give accounts of its aftermath and consequences. Schilling spent five years in order to finalize the work of the two professors and publish it in their honor. All sessions will be conducted on ZOOM and are free of charge to all. Registration and internet access are required and registration must be made through the library's website, www.MonmouthCountyLib.or, under Upcoming Events. Links will be e-mailed the day before each program between 3 and 4p.m..

FREEHOLD -The Monmouth County Board of Commissioners praised and commended the Monmouth County Library director, staff and all employees for meeting the unprecedented challenges of the Covid-19 era with unique actions and innovations that even saw the electronic circulation of library resources double in the past year. Commissioner Lilian G. Burry, liaison between the county commission and the library board, cited, and the Commissioners unanimously agreed in a proclamation issued at the last meeting of the county commissioners, , that since the library facilities were closed to the public on March 14, the staff nonetheless, within two days, had initiated a remote service model staffed by librarians to answer reference questions, offer instruction on eBooks, download audio books, stream video collections and offer online research resources. The library continued to provide opportunities for patrons to apply for library cards using email registrations, Burry continued, adding this was “a service that was greatly used increasing the number of patron registrations.” Staff returned to the buildings in June, the commissioner continued, and offered door side service to deliver materials and also worked to create safe spaces and restart in-library services which they were successful to offer by July. Throughout the entire year, Burry said the library initiated online virtual children’s teen and adult programs with a broad spectrum of offerings comprising education and entertainment opportunities, including craft making to reinforce children’s literature, while at the same time offering online accessibility to thousands of e-Books, downloadable audio books streaming videos, educational classes, research opportunities, newspaper access and millions of resources for the entertainment, education and research opportunities of the public. “Our library system, I have said many times and it is worth repeating, is the best in New Jersey and perhaps even the nation,” the liaison said. “ We have a staff that takes on challenges with a relentless energy and degree of ingenuity that keeps this an outstanding resource for every age and ability of Monmouth County residents.” The Monmouth County library , with its headquarters and main library at 125 Symmes Drive, Manalapan, includes branches in 12 communities, Eastern Branch in Shrewsbury, Allentown, Atlantic Highlands, Colts Neck, Hazlet, Holmdel, Howell, Marlboro, Ocean Township, Oceanport, Wall and West Long Branch. It also includes 12 member branches which have access to library resources. For more information on the Monmouth County Library, or to access the programs, activities, and materials available to the public, visit monconlib.com.

ATL. HIGHLANDS – Residents of this borough are expected to have access to one more avenue of communication from the governing body and eventually the police department-- even when power is out or water rises in storms, Councilman Jon Crowley explained to the governing body at last week’s meeting. In his report, Crowley explained the recently formed Technology and Communications committee is ready to test a new self-powered emergency AM radio channel, a low-tech, low cost use of a radio frequency whereby communications from the borough can be transmitted via both electrically powered and battery operated radios, to homes or vehicles. The councilman said volunteers are prepared to spend a day in testing whether a radio and antenna, to be installed at borough hall for a day-long test will have a signal strong enough to reach every area of the borough. Once the site is determined to be sufficient to broadcast a signal, Crowley and the borough will then apply to the FCC, Federal Communications Commission, for permission to establish an AM frequency for its exclusive use. When not being used to broadcast emergency information, the frequency can be used to share other useful information such as borough events and services. The system allows for up to 90 pre-recorded messages to be included for release by the police department as needed. New messages can also be added at any time, he said. The low tech system will offer another ability for the borough to reach all residents and makes it easier for persons who are not computer savvy or do not have access to other electronic means, to get messages through their radios on a specific frequency exclusive to the borough. Powered either by emergency generator or self-contained battery, the emergency radio is in addition to all other systems in place in the borough, including the borough website at ahnj.com, and SWIFT 9-1-1 , the system that sends telephone messages to residents who sign up for it on the borough website. “This is just one more tool to offer access to everyone for communications with the borough, for help in emergent situations, or simply to be informed of specific conditions that might arise,” Crowley said. He cited it could include weather conditions and forecasts which would be especially helpful to boaters in the municipal yacht harbor. Crowley added, “I’ve seen communities when power, cell service and wifi systems are knocked out and residents are suddenly cut-off from all helpful information. Now anyone with a car or battery operated radio, can get information about locations for shelter, charging stations, ice and fresh water—the important things we need after an emergency.” The cost for the system is relatively inexpensive compared to many other more technical communication means and would be less than $5,000 for purchase and installation. Crowley said he has already had assurances of donations for local residents to offset some of that cost. The Technology and Communications committee was established by Mayor Loretta Gluckstein to make use of Crowley’s television and marketing experience and includes, in addition to himself as council liaison, local residents Warren Kotzas as chair Kerry Kennedy, Sean Altes, Matt Masina and Brian Dougherty. In addition the emergency radio channel, the committee is also reviewing the borough’s website to determine whether any changes or additions could be made to make it easier for residents to access. The councilman praised both the administrator and the clerk for all the updated news and information that appears on the site, including the recent addition of an established ZOOM number for each committee. Residents simply access the site to get the singular code to attend all municipal ZOOM meetings, including planning board, recreation and shade tree, in addition to the meetings of the Mayor and Council. The committee is also expected to recommend that the Mayor and Council consider offering “push notifications” for any borough resident who wishes to receive text messages for new agendas and upcoming committee meetings.

ATLANTIC HIGHLANDS – Whether it will destroy the feeling and efficiency of a small town police department or improve services for borough residents will be the topic of a special meeting of the Mayor and Council Tuesday evening at 7 p.m. as the governing body hears residents on the question of moving the local emergency dispatch services to the Monmouth County Sheriff’s Office Center. Interested persons can visit the Atlantic Highlands site at ahnj.com for information on how to attend the meeting and be heard on ZOOM. Discussion is strong on both sides of the issue, with Police Chief David Rossbach strongly in favor of handing dispatch services over to the County Sheriff’s department for the efficiency and security of borough residents, a move he readily admits will be expensive in the first year but will also result in huge financial savings in the future while providing a safer environment for residents. Opponents of the move argue dispatchers in Freehold, where the Sheriff’s Office is located, do not have sufficient knowledge of streets, areas and people within the community to maintain the level of safety they feel currently exists, and will also leave police headquarters vacant during the night hours. “The safety and security of our community is my number one priority and I believe that moving our local dispatch services to the Monmouth County Sheriff’s Office will allow our police department to provide a higher degree of service on many levels,” Rossbach has said many times, including on the department’s Facebook page. If adopted after Tuesday’s hearing, the move would mean eliminating the four police dispatch positions currently held by four long time employees, the chief said, none of whom lives in the borough. He said the four dispatchers are not governed by any police unions or organizations but are civilian positions with the sole purpose of responding to emergency calls and dispatching emergency personnel and equipment where needed. The chief said the county 9-1-1 calls have been handled for borough residents for many years by the county’s communication system, and would continue to do so under this proposal, along with answering non-emergency calls and dispatching police, fire and EMS, all at a substantial cost savings. The local, non-emergency phone number, 732-291-1212 would remain in service and “anybody not familiar with the change would not notice any difference in services.” Headquarters would remain open 24 hours a day, he said, and in the event an officer or the records clerk was not available, a citizen would pick up a phone and speak directly with a telecommunicator who would assist in the same manner as local dispatchers do now. Rossbach indicated there would probably be two telephones, one outside the building for easy access. He added that because of the Covid-19 pandemic, there has not been any access to the police department office afterhours and there have been no problems. Rossbach said the advantages of joining the county facility include the benefit of a state of the art upgraded radio system providing more reliable communications, clearer radio transmissions, private channels for safer communications, statewide coverage, and interoperability with surrounding towns. Police, fire and EMS unites would use the Spillman Computer-Aided Dispatch (CAD) and Records system which provides information sharing with most other County communities, the Sheriff’s Office, and in the future, the New Jersey State Police. This means officers and first responders would have access to critical data and background information on persons, locations, vehicles and other data in seconds. Opponents of the change argue that the four local dispatchers have greater knowledge of local areas, know immediately where specific addresses are and can handle dispatch services more efficiently because of this knowledge. Further, the dispatchers are available to assist police in other areas, whether it is for crowd or traffic control at large events, such as the annual Firemen’s Fair at the Yacht Harbor, and provide a needed service. Additionally, they know many residents and addresses with special needs or concerns and can assess situations more rapidly armed with this knowledge. “They do more than dispatch,” said one resident who asked not to be identified. Currently, the Sheriff’s Office, which comes under Monmouth County Sheriff Shawn Golden, operates two 9-1-1 centers in Freehold and a backup/disaster recovery center in Neptune. It employs more than 110 full time staff members and answers 9-1-1 calls for 49 municipalities and one military facility, including Middletown, Sea Bright and Highlands. The center features 52 dispatch consoles, dispatches 23 police departments, 69 fire departments, and 38 first aid Squads, together with back up for six agencies. In 2019, it processed 775,648 calls including 179,700 9-1-1 calls. All staff is trained as Emergency Medical Dispatchers, emergency communication officers, CPR and NCIC terminal operators. “If the main issue is cops working the desk, I would staff more per diem dispatchers, not go to county dispatch,” one person wrote on Facebook. “There is a definite pro for someone who knows your town and its residents personally and don’t see it as just a map of a place they might never have been and someone they will never talk to again on the phone. Think about it. Talk to the residents of Spring Lake. They regretted it immediately.” Spring Lake Borough had adopted the County system, then changed their mind and went back to local dispatchers. The Spring Lake Police Chief did not respond to questions why the governing body changed its position. “I’ve lived in this borough all my life,” said former Mayor Helen Marchetti, “and I think it is essential to keep our local dispatchers. This is a small time; it is a town where we feel comfortable knowing that people we know are providing the services we need. There are too many streets in Highlands and Atlantic Highlands wit h similar names, and someone in Freehold might not know the difference. ” Further, the former mayor said, “will dispatchers in Freehold know it’s really a Middletown resident needing help, not an Atlantic Highlands residents?” referring to the large number of Navesink residents with an Atlantic Highlands mailing address. Rossbach stressed that while the financial issues are not his primary concern, “the safety of our residents ia. There are great financial benefits to going with the county system after the first year of operation.” Cost increases will be capped at two percent a year, he said, and would represent huge savings in purchasing new and more up-to-date equipment should the borough continue to provide service on its own. Concerning the question about Middletown residents, Rossbach conceded residents will have to know the correct towns in which they live. He said the local dispatchers will be offered communicator jobs with the Sheriff’s Office and could apply if interested and could eventually become civil service employees at the higher salaries and greater chances for advancement county positions offer. The chief added he and other officers have toured the county communications facility and are impressed by the technology and sophistication of the equipment and training of the employees.

ATL. HIGHLANDS – In the wake of Richard Stryker from Bayshore and Middletown pharmacies citing inefficiency of the distribution of Covid vaccine, and his own frustration at being prepared but not being able to administer vaccine, Borough Administrator Adam Hubeny reiterated his own frustration at the system during last night’s meeting of the Mayor and Council. In his report, the administrator said “I wish the County or State would give us vaccine doses because we would get it done. We have several doctors and nurses in town that have offered to help with inoculations.” Hubeny added that “the county is doing an awesome job and are ready willing and able to do the work but they need doses. We hope that the Bayshore Pharmacy and CVS will help our community and ease the pressure at other locations.” Hubeny also praised the Department of Public Works for their outstanding work during the recent snowstorms, noting they were able to keep up with street snow plowing in spite of three drivers being down with illness. He also cited harbor and water and sewer department employees whom he praised for “stepping up and assisting, along with our team at the sanitation department.” The teamwork enabled the borough to provide all necessary services during the storms. The administrator also reported the planning board will hold a public hearing on Thursday, March 4 to discuss and determine whether the Mother Teresa school property is in an area in need of redevelopment and or rehabilitation, a step being taken in light of the property being sold by St. Agnes Church. The meeting will begin at 7 p.m. and will be available virtually by visiting the Atlantic Highlands boro official website for information on how to sign into the meeting.

HIGHLANDS – He says he’s been drinking from the firehouse, which is one way of saying he’s working ambitiously to bring himself up to speed on everything. But there is no way around it. Michael Muscillo, the borough’s new administrator, has been on the job since January 1, and, though he came to the position armed with two decades of experience, he readily admits there is always something new to learn in a new community. The administrator, who holds an undergraduate degree in political science from Montclair State University, and a master’s in public administration from Valdosta State University, is Monmouth County born and bred but admits he knew Highlands before accepting the job more “as an outsider looking in.” Like everyone else, he laughs, he has long since learned from his own experience the outstanding restaurants that lure many to the community. A graduate of the Long Branch school system, Muscillo and his wife, Taralee and their sons Michael and Sammy, live in Ocean Township, so it is not a long commute for the long days he is putting in to learn in depth all the projects ongoing in the community, and those on the table yet to be completed. He is high on praise for the staff he said, because “in a sense business never stops.” On the other hand, he added appreciatively, “there is a great group of people here and they have gone above and beyond bringing me up to speed.” But his experience in municipal administration cannot be denied. Over the past 20 years, Muscillo has served as township manager for Ocean Township, the position he left before accepting the Highlands post, borough administrator for Tinton Falls, township manager for Lakewood Township and earlier in his career municipal administrator for Hazlet Township and assistant administrator for Long Branch. He’s bringing to his job in Highlands the same tenets he has followed in each of his other positions: A promise to be accessible. “It’s what I have always done,” the administrator said, in responding to a series of questions about his goals for the borough and how he expects to achieve them, “I will be accessible, listen, and be responsible. Although you would like to please everyone, it’s just not possible. I feel being straight up with people is best; you may not want to hear what I have to say, but I will tell you straight and help to point you in the right direction,” the administrator added. He is indeed happy to be in Highlands, he enthuses, noting “It is a great up and coming town that has a lot to offer. It’s a great combination of new and older residents with deep community ties.” Addressing the immediate and long range activities to be acted upon, Muscillo noted that the new borough hall on Navesink Avenue across from Our Lady of Perpetual Help Church will require a large amount of time and guidance and is therefore a priority. But there are also a number of other ongoing projects, he said, including infrastructure, park improvements and redevelopment. And all must be handled while at the same time he is continuing to get used to the lay of the land. Both organization and availability are key to this success as an administrator, and therefore the betterment and smooth running of local government he said. “Getting a firm grip on everything going on to bring myself up to speed is very important.” While he is a firm believer in keeping up with latest developments in administration at every levels, Muscillo said while he has already been accepted into the Doctorate in Public Administration program at Liberty University, at this time he is not certain when he will be able to attend, or whether that goal will change. For now, he said, “my concentration in on Highlands, getting to know more about every project and activity, and keeping abreast of things that have to be kept on the front burner while not ignoring those that will take a little longer. The administrator, who replaced Kim Gonzales who left this position to accept a position with Monmouth County government, has a two year contract with a starting salary of $130,000 annually.,

Hey, for all you folks who have spotted eagles, owls and so many other birds around the Bayshore, tomorrow starts the annual four day Great Backyard Bird Count. It’s fun and easy to join it, and is a safe and enjoyable activity even during this Covid thing. A great one to do with your kids. Make it a family project. This year, you can even record your sightings with eBird, a free mobile app that lets you enter your birds right when you see them in the palm of your hand. If you are new to the count, try using the Merlin Bird ID app. If you have participated in the count before, try eBird Mobile app or enter your bird list on the eBird website. All you have to do to participate, either by yourself or in a group, is watch birds for 15 minutes or more, at least once over the four days, beginning at 12:01 a.m. Feb. 12 and ending at 11:59 p.m. Feb. 15 and report it. It all helps in protecting birds, learning more about their migration, and areas where they are either new, or vacating residents. Visit gbbc@birds.cornell.edu.1 for more information.

HIGHLANDS – One local parishioner won $2840 in the Inaugural Christmas 50-50 raffle held last month by the Reverend Joseph J. Donnelly Knights of Columbus Council 11660, Council Grand Knight David Convery announced. Because of the Covid pandemic and restrictions set on a variety of activities, council members had to cancel their usual fund raising events and designed the raffle to compensate for some of the funds needed to support their many charities. The drawing for the winning ticket was conducted in accordance with Covid 19 restrictions and attended by Our Lady of Perpetual Help-St. Agnes pastor the Rev. Jarlath Quinn, the Rev. Martin Biglin, assistant, Deputy Grand Knight Mike Napolitano, Event Chairman Kenneth Quinn, Treasurer David Legg, Financial Secretary Fred Hofmann and Convery, along with District Deputy John Flynn and Inner Sentinel Brian Anderson. The Reverend Joseph J. Donnelly Knights of Columbus Council gratefully acknowledges the generous contributions and collective efforts of the parish staff and parishioners in addition to the community at large and all Brother Knights in making this inaugural fund raiser an event. Special thanks is also extended to Bayshore Pharmacy and Vingo Wine & Spirits of Atlantic Highlands for their generous support. The Knights will hold another raffle, this the inaugural Saint Patrick's Day Fifty-Fifty Raffle to be drawn on Thursday, March 18 at 11 am at the OLPH Gym. Raffle tickets are available from Knights council members and at both churches after all the masses. For more information on the Knights, visit their website at kocdonnellycouncil11660.org. Council members also invite all local residents to attend rosary with them every Monday evening at 7 p.m. at Our Lady of Perpetual Help Church. Photo by Brian Anderson

Rich Stryker owner of pharmacies in both Middletown and Atlantic Highlands, just send this op ed piece to area newspapers to highlight how the small pharmacies, regardless of how well they are prepared, are being put in second place in receiving the Covid vaccine until the mega sites are taken care of. It simply isn't fair, and folks should write their legislators to complain about how New Jersey is doling out the vaccine. I remember months ago Rich telling me everything he had to go through, in paperwork alone, let alone all the other preparations, just to be included in the list of pharmacies who could administer the vaccine. He did it all, he got ready, he filled out all the papers. But nobody told him he....make that his customers and patients...would be put in second place behind the big political contributors. Read Rich's piece here and see what good sense he makes and how concerned he is for the people who have been doing business with Bayshore and Middletown pharmacies for a couple of generations. Remember, Rich's dad, Dick, as ell as Scott Eagleton, taught Rich everything...well, almost everything....he knows and we have appreciated their skills, to say nothing of their contributions to the community for years. An immediate and focused change to the State of New Jersey's COVID19 Vaccination Plan is desperately needed. In the thirty years as a practicing pharmacist in New Jersey, I have never witnessed a disorganized disaster like the COVID19 vaccine distribution. As owner of Bayshore Pharmacy in Atlantic Highlands, my patients are confused, angry, and scared. Elderly patients and families that rely on public information regularly turn to me for healthcare advice and counselling. When asked about their vaccination, I can only share they would be able to be vaccinated “soon” and to continue to click refresh on the State’s Scheduling Service in vain. The Federal COVID19 Vaccine Distribution plan was to use the existing vaccination network of pharmacies, clinics, and physicians to get the vaccine to as many patients as quickly as possible. In order to avoid the natural predilection of government to micromanage, the States were placed in charge of the first wave of distribution. New Jersey opted to distribute the vaccine through a disjointed patchwork of corporate sponsors and political contributors, namely CVS, Walgreens, Visiting Nurses Association, and County Health Departments among others. Rather than to include the allotment of vaccines to well-prepared and trained independent pharmacies who can accommodate the influx of patients in a socially distanced manner, the plan was modified to focus on large centers that terrify my patients who have been isolating for the last year. Elderly patients cannot and will not travel to these “mega” sites for fear of contact. We have been informed by the State Department of Health that we may receive vaccines if there is ample supply remaining after the mega sites have received their distributions. What about my patients? Let’s look at other states that decided against reinventing the wheel to vaccinate at high rates. West Virginia has been a gold standard for vaccine distribution. Every nursing home patient was vaccinated before the end of 2020. Similar to the flu vaccine, patients simply make an appointment at their local pharmacy to be vaccinated, arrive, receive their shot, and go back home. It cannot be more simple or more effective. In 1947, a gentleman arrived in New York Harbor and was hospitalized with smallpox. In less than a month, 6 million New Yorkers were vaccinated against the disease. It can be done. It should be done. Let us do it together. Regards, Richard P. Stryker, R.Ph. Owner, Bayshore Pharmacy 2 Bayshore Plaza Atlantic Highlands, NJ 07716 732-299-5601

HIGHLANDS - In spite of the cancellation of fund raising events throughout the Covid crisis, the St. Vincent de Paul Society of Our Lady of Perpetual Help Church continued to help those with local challenges. In a recent report, parishioners learned during the past year the volu9nteers in the Society helped 110 families in Highlands and Sea Bright with nearly $29,000 in financial assistance for housing, security deposits or other immediate needs including medical insurance car repairs and furniture. It provided more than $2500 in Christmas gift cards for 32 children and 14 seniors in need, made numerous referrals for resources in response to requests, and made more than 900 visits in person or by phone including delivering an estimated $52,000 in regular food deliveries in partnership with the OLPH Food Pantry. In thanksgiving for the aid other St. Vincent dePaul societies gave to local residents during the Hurricane Sandy crisis, the local chapter donated $1,000 to other St. Vincent dePaul societies in other areas devastated by natural disasters.

Hey if you happen to see Tony Bucco, happen to know this very genial, very kind former Highlands Councilman, be sure to say Happy Birthday!. Our World War II hero, who just went through the devastating death of his wife Carol two weeks ago, will be celebrating his 97th birthday! Happy Birthday, Tony Bucco. May the world and your beloved Highlands be as special as you are!

It has been a sad month or so for Highlands and Atlantic Highlands with the deaths of so many beloved residents and former residents. Highlands was stricken with the death former administrator and boro clerk Nina Flannery, followed not long after by political leader and long-time advocate Carol Bucco. This week, Atlantic Highlands had more than its own share of sadness with the death of Gloria Brown, a strong leader, wonderful lady, enthusiastic supporter of everything Bayshore and the mom in a great family together with the dad and husband of the family, the late Sam Brown, known far and wide for all he did for Henry Hudson as a board of ed. leader. Then today, it is also so sad to report that Ruth Carosoe, former borough clerk in this town and another lady of charm, grace and intelligence, also passed. Here is Gloria's obituary, a tribute from her family for a wonderful woman. Gloria Joy Brown, 95, passed peacefully on February 5 at the Atrium, Red Bank, New Jersey. Born October 17, 1925 in Sherman Mills, Maine, she had been an extraordinary local presence since moving to Atlantic Highlands, NJ in 1934. Gloria's caring spirit and strong faith guided her life. She met the love of her life, Samuel P. Brown (d. 1991) right out of high school. They were married in 1945 and enjoyed 46 years of total devotion to each other and their family. Throughout her long life Gloria was always involved in service to her Presbyterian Church as a Deacon and Ruling Elder, including Clerk of Session. In her community she was busily involved in myriad capacities. She will be remembered for everything from coaching the local twirling squads at Henry Hudson Regional School to her reputation as “Atlantic Highlands First Aid Fireball.” Gloria served as an EMT for the Borough for many years, as well as working tirelessly on the Squad's fundraising for a new ambulance. Gloria is survived by her 3 children: Joy Brown Taylor, P. Jeffrey Brown (and wife Melanie Davies), and Tracey Brown-Bandiera. She is also survived by her 3 loving grandchildren, Sam and Rebecca Taylor and Caroline Brown. Gloria's cremains will be interred with those of her beloved Sam in Bayview Cemetery. The family will host a celebration of her life at a later date.

Three cheers to the public works departments in both Highlands and Atlantic Highlands who were out there early, stayed late, and continue to work hard to keep borough roads in both communities as free of snow and ice as possible. These guys have done a yeoman's job in less than terrific conditions, and we all owe them appreciate, gratitude, and hot chocolate!

HIGHLANDS – The Highlands Business Partnership (HBP) delivered another 2065 food and supply items to the Our Lady of Perpetual Help Pantry this Sunday, continuation of the November pledge to support local food pantries through Food Drive 2021. “The pantries definitely need the support after the holidays,” noted Jay Cosgrove, president of the HBP, explaining why the drive is ongoing. HBP Volunteer Director Carla Cefalo added that because of that pledge three months ago, “the dedicated volunteers went straight to work and we successfully delivered the items to OLPH. “ Highlands own Frankie Montecalvo of Lexus Racing USA as well as the Colby family also made generous donations which allowed HBP to purchase meat and other items needed for local families,” Cefalo said. “And we will all be ready and working hard towards the next delivery, which is scheduled for the Atlantic Highlands Methodist church.” “These and other HBP programs are made possible by our great business community, the generosity of our residents and the dedicated volunteers,” said Councilman Kevin Martin, HBP Liaison to the governing body.. “The Highlands Business Partnership (HBP) recognizes all local Food banks throughout the state have been severely impacted by COVID-19. They are facing increased demands for support, and operational capacity is strained. Many have seen drastic reductions in their food recovery efforts yet continue to work to serve those who rely on their services to feel safe and healthy, Cosgrove added.. Since April 2020, the Highlands Business Partnership has raised food for the local food pantries of OLPH/St. Agnes parish and Atlantic Highlands Methodist Church. The partnership, in response to a request from Mayor Carolyn Broullon, launched the Curbside Kindness Program when essential businesses were open for take-out only. HBP purchased bins and created posters to raise awareness asking people who called for take-out, to also donate a can or two. HBP volunteers serving as Bin Managers, were assigned to each participating business; and collected and delivered food weekly to the two pantries. In September, Food Drive 500 kicked off in response to a request from managers Dan and Tricia Curtin at the OLPH pantry in need of 500 items within 30 days to match a donation of $500 from a private donor. The HBP volunteers delivered far more than the requested 500 items within the month, with the Highlands Lions Club assisting in the delivery. Cosgrove and Cefalo, together with Mayor Broullon, expressed special thanks to Bin Managers Karen Grezner, Beth Marrone, Rosemarie Conte, Martin, Jessica Savino, Kat Walsh, and Liz Conroy, as well as local businesses, Bahrs Restaurant, Bay Avenue Bakery, Chilangos, Chubby Pickle, Feed and Seed, Franny’s, Katz, Gert’s Snacks, In the Garden, Off the Hook, One Willow, Porcini, Proving Ground and Shoregrafx. The Highlands Business Partnership (HBP), a 501-C3 non-profit corporation, founded in 1999 and works on behalf of all those who live, work or invest in Highlands. For more information on the Highlands Business Partnership’s Food Drives and other programs and events, visit www.highlandsnj.com.

At the funeral mass for Carol Bucco Saturday, Monsignor Salemi brought the very sad crowd in attendance at Our Lady of Perpetual Help Church to laughter when he said Carol died kicking and screaming, referring to the way she faced life and corrected wrongs. He also said, bringing more relaxation to a crowd obviously in serious mourning, that on a church trip to Europe a few years ago, he had a conversation with Carol: “She did all the talking, I did all the listening.” It was obvious Monsignor loved and knew Carol Bucco as well as everyone else who attended the mass, shed tears, and offered solace to Tony and the Bucco progeny of two generations. Monsignor was right about Carol. She was well known for her research, for keeping records, for remembering when laws were passed, discussions were had. And she challenged those who denied it. I knew Carol Bucco well. I have known her since we lived around the corner with each other, since her daughter Marita and Jonell Belicose were the adorable flower girls at my daughter Kathy’s wedding decades ago. I’ve known her from the times we disagreed politically, but never lost our friendship over it. I’ve been there when she’s stood up at council meetings protecting her beloved Highlands. And after she was taken to the hospital a few days before she died, I was on the phone with her. She called me from Riverview to let me know some things on the agenda for that night’s Highlands council she wanted to be sure were addressed. She knew there were many who would miss her resounding voice on the Zoom call during the public portion. Everybody who knew Carol knew this side of Carol. They also knew she was a loving mother, who adored those Sunday Zoom sessions with her family scattered across several states. They knew her as the friend always there to help, the advocate for her neighbors in her condo association, the more forceful and outspoken half of the couple obviously so much more in love after more than 50 some odd years of marriage. But when I mourn Carol’s loss, I immediately make myself feel better by thinking of the special part of Carol I knew that few know about. I visited Carol every Sunday, not really for the social aspects of it, but because of Carol’s several other medical problems that prevented her and Tony from attending mass every Sunday and receiving communion. Many months ago, Carol asked if I could bring her communion ‘once in a while, if it isn’t too much trouble.” It was never too much trouble, for me, it was truly a joy. So I stopped in with Communion every Sunday. It was always the same. Carol and Tony would be sitting in the living room, waiting for my visit right after 9:30 mass. I’d call to be sure they were up and ready, Carol would laugh and answer the phone, not with “hello” but with, “yes, we’re here.” Or “how could I answer the phone if I wasn’t home?” So I’d go in and there they were, Tony on the couch, Carol in ‘her chair,’ both watching a mass on TV. Carol watched two or three different masses from different churches every Sunday, recording them so she would be sure not to miss one. She’d point out the very elaborate vestments on one priest, the incredible homilies of another priest, the magnificent choir at a third church. She had respect and awe for each of them. And prayed with all of them. We would chat for a few minutes, exchange news and opinions on the affairs of the day, and then the mood would change as both Carol and Tony prepared to receive communion. There was no more talking after that, at least not with me. This was Carol and Tony’s time to have a conversation with their God. They each held out their hands, said a few silent prayers, then reverently looked up, said Amen, and received their God. They bowed in prayer then, as I left without another word, nothing to disturb their prayers or thanksgiving and supplication. That’s the Carol I knew and will always remember. A devout woman who loved her God and her fellow man, loved her husband, her children, her grandchildren. And because of it all, in spite other health issues she has had over the years, she remained happy, cheerful, and uncomplaining. Carol Bucco. I will miss her, but I will always remember her. And the lessons she taught me.

ATL. HIGHLANDS - Jack M. Ciattarelli, front runner candidate for the GOP selection to oppose Governor Murphy in November, will be the principal speaker at the Feb. 5th meeting of the local Republican Club. “I’ve known Jack for some time, and I’m delighted to be able to have him address our group,” said Councilman Brian Boms, the local GOP Chairman. “He served in the NJ General Assembly in the 16th district for 17 years and is a forward thinking man with a lot of great ideas and vision for success.” Ciattarelli, who lives in Hillsborough, was raised in Raritan Township where he also served on the Borough Council for five years, serving that time as council president. He served on the Somerset Board of Freeholders for four years until 2011 when he resigned to accept the position of Assemblyman. A graduate of Seton Hall University with a degree in accounting, he also earned his maser’s degree in finance at the same university. While in the Assembly, he served on the financial institutions and insurance, and the Regulated Professions committees as well as Assistant Republican Whip. Monmouth County’s Kim Guadagno defeated him in his run for Governor in 2017. In his private life, Ciattarelli is owner and publisher of Galen Publishing, L.L.C., a medical publishing company. He was co-founder of several medical journal publishing companies and is an adjunct professor at Seton Hall. Married, and the father of four children, Ciattarelli coaches children’s sports and is manager for the Hillsborough Township Recreation Department. Because of the Covid-19 situation, the Feb. 7 meeting is only available virtually. To receive an invitation to attend the meeting, which begins at 7 p.m. Friday, Feb. 7, e-mail atlantichighlandsrepublicans@gmail.com

FREEHOLD _ Colts Neck High school’s Mock Trial Team took first place in the annual Monmouth County-wide competition, narrowly beating Wall High School in the four day historic event. The team will now advance to regional competition. Fifteen schools from Monmouth County participated in the event, which has been sponsored by the Monmouth County Bar Association since it was first offered as statewide competition by the State Bar Association decades ago. For the past seven years, Attorney Jonathan Goldstein has volunteered his services as co-chair of the event for several years, with attorney Ellizza Perkins, who was also the co-chair last year. Among coordinators of the Monmouth County mock trials in previous years was Christine Hanlon, now President of the Monmouth County Bar Association. In expressing her pride and congratulations for Colts Neck’s win, as well as the teams from each school who participated, Hanlon said “This is such an important program for our Monmouth County High School students and I’m so pleased that we were able to host the competition this year. I would not want our students to miss out on the opportunity due to the COVID-19 health crisis. The high school teams did a wonderful job overcoming the challenges presented to them and I congratulate the winning team from Colts Neck High School. In my opinion, all of the students who participated in this event are winners as this program instills confidence in our students, hones their public speaking skills, and gives them the invaluable experience of a real-life trial setting. I thank our coordinators for the Bar Association, Jonathan Cohen and Elissa Perkins ,as well as all of the judges and teachers who donated their time to the program. It would not be the great success that it is without them.” Superior Court Judge David F. Bauman of the criminal division, who has also volunteered many years to sit as Judge of the final competitions, also praised the students for their excellence and extraordinary acceptance and adaption to the virtual mock trial. Although it is routine for lawyers and judges to have virtual court proceedings during the Covid crisis, Bauman noted the added stress the new procedure, and conducting the mock court with their witnesses, timekeepers, and adversaries all only visible on a screen, and separated from each other through all their practices and throughout their trials, showed extraordinary poise, maturity and intelligence from each of the high school students. Schools participating in this year’s event included Rumson Fair Haven Regional, Colts Neck, Mater Dei Prep, Christian Brothers Academy, Saint John Vianney, Holmdel, Middletown North, The Academy of Allied Health & Science, Howell, Allentown High School, Ocean Township,. Marine Academy of Science and Technology (MAST), Matawan Regional, Wall High School and Red Bank Regional. In spite of the Covid limitations the number of entrants was typical of previous years, Goldstein said. The Colts Neck team, which went 5-0 in this year’s competition now competes at the Central Regional mock trials beginning Feb. 3, Should they win three competitions there, they would then advance to the state semi-final competition. Holly Luccarelli is the teacher coach for the Colts Neck team, and has headed the team for the last 17 years. She noted that seven of the students on this year’s team have competed at least two previous years, and four students are new to the extracurricular activity this years. Attorney James Tracy volunteered as a visiting attorney for the past 12 years, then turned the position over to former student and mock trial participant William Visone who competed between 2007 and 2010, and later joined the Monmouth County Prosecutor’s Office. Visone has been coaching with the team in January, with daily as well as occasional weekend meetings assisting the team in analyzing the case and understanding the legal arguments. “Our team worked collaboratively on each component,” the assistant prosecutor said, “a factor I attribute to their success. We have a close-knit group of students who form an incredible bond over a love of mock trial and desire to do well” . Lucarelli said in the past 17 years CNHS has competed, the team won 9 county championship, competed three times in the State championship and in 2019 were the State Champs, the only Monmouth County school to ever win at the top state level. The winning Colts Neck team included seniors Sophia Carlin, portraying an attorney, seniors Matthew Buneta, Megan Smith and Ethan Valliath as witnesses, juniors portraying attorneys are Zerrin Dulger, Cassandra Dalton and Averie Engel, sophomore Abigail Gilder, a witness, and freshmen Jeffrey Karpelson, and Robert Maravelias as witnesses with freshman Sawyer Chang as timekeeper. Francis Gavin, the Latin teacher at Wall High School, said this is his first year as coach of the mock trial team, but Wall has been a participant for many years. One of the attorneys who volunteered to coach the team during their practice sessions this year, Joshua Carmel, is himself a graduate of Wall and participated in mock trials during his school years. “We were fortunate to have both Mr. Carmel and another attorney, James Tracy, who volunteered to help our students, and demonstrated an excitement for the mock trial program that was infectious,” Gavin said. Gavin added he thinks the students participate because it is a rewarding competition, and “ since they are prepared, it is fun for them.” Wall students who participated this year are Sasha Bosque-Issardin a senior who took on two roles, attorney for both plaintiff and defendant, senior Lily Figlar who also took on two roles of a witness, juniors Bryan Hammond and Cameron Murphy, representing attorneys, junior and freshmen Kendal Amitie Fiona Figlar, Ilin Maxim, who all served as witnesses. Recognizing the pandemic impacted not only the students’ ability to participate but also to meet and practice, together with the unique experience of presenting the trial via Zoom, Gavin said the benefits of the program are numerous, not only to give them an appreciation of the legal profession and its practitioners, but also to grow their own confidence, abilities, and experience to see matters with different perspectives. “The commitment of time and energy by the students is remarkable. Moreover, the pro bono service of the attorney coaches is awe inspiring. “