This makes me wonder

WOW! Not only is Facebook sizzling over the Confidential Assistant to the Mayor and Borough Administrator job in Highlands, but so is my phone. That’s because my blog is posted on Facebook and people are reacting to the questions I raised. And I think it’s great folks are taking an interest and reacting to yet another expense for taxpayers. Since today is the deadline for filing applications,… oh no, wait a minute, it was a year ago that applications should have been submitted, according to the ad. Is that an accident, a typo, or simply another way to confuse the public? At any rate, with all of the fuss, with so few people even knowing the ad was placed, a very wise governing body would not take any action on any applications right now, but rather, post the ad again, only this time with all the right information in it, not a deadline of a year before the ordinance was even introduced. And then, wouldn’t it be nice this same very wise governing body announced at a public meeting where the ad would be placed, when the position would be advertised, perhaps maybe in a local paper or two. In that way, local people who don’t even know about the League site might want to apply. Or has the candidate already been selected?

So the ad for a “confidential assistant to the Mayor and Borough Administrator” is advertised in the League of Municipalities classified ads, along with similar positions in Hillsdale in Bergen County and Stafford Township, as well as a lot of other ads for various positions across the state. The Highlands ad is there until March 31, but March 26 is the deadline for submitting resumes to the borough administrator, so don’t delay until the last minute. Contrasting it with the other similar but not exactly the same positions, it’s startling to see what it does NOT contain. For instance, the applicant doesn’t even have to have attended school, let alone graduate from high school. In Stafford, applicants must hold a college degree or similar experience. Applicants for the Highlands position don’t have to know anything about money or for that matter have any experience in anything. All you need to apply for the position in Highlands, with resumes going to the borough administrator, but according to the ordinance always be running the risk of being fired by the mayor whenever she feels the need, is to be highly motivated, but it doesn’t say motivated to what. You have to be detail-oriented and have excellence communication skills, all of which are kind of subjective. I mean, how high is ‘highly motivated?’ How do you determine the depth of detail orientation? And everybody’s opinion on excellence is different, so being able to communicate is kind of whatever the mayor thinks is the right way to communicate. The applicant should know how to use Microsoft office and be able to her work done in a timely fashion while taking on whatever else might be going on at the same time….those are time management skills. And of course, the mayor makes the determination, again, according to the ordinance, on how you qualify for all these things, and that’s what determines what the salary will be. All this for one more salary for taxpayers to pay for a mayor who doesn’t receive any pay, took on the job willingly, served on council before that so she knew what the mayor does, but now that she’s there, decided she and the administrator both need one more person to carry the workload, and it’ll be the person she chooses. I wonder if even one person who voted for her four months ago would have voted for Rick O’Neil instead if they knew she was almost immediately going to add another burden on to the taxpayer because she really couldn’t do the job without extra paid help. That vote would have made a difference in who’s sitting in the mayor’s seat.

I don’t know Assemblywoman Serena DiMaso other than as the professional she is as the Assemblywoman representing the 13th legislative district of New Jersey. I remember her as the Mayor of Holmdel, but I rarely am in or around Holmdel so I guess I didn’t pay much attention to her there. But I certainly thought she did a terrific job as Freeholder. She and Freeholder (ok, now Commissioner to be proper) Lillian Burry were both dynamite standing up for everything they both believe in and fighting tooth and nail to get it. Commissioner Burry still is doing that by the way, although it doesn’t seem the rest of the county commissioners even know she exists. For these reasons, along with the fact that I have seen Serena at every event to which she was invited or should have appeared in Highlands Atlantic Highlands and Middletown, and I’m sure she’s done the same thing in Sea Bright to Union Beach, I whole heartedly supported her for another term in Trenton. Let’s face it. These are tough times for the minority party in the state capital. Republicans need a strong, determined, and never-say-die attitude among its elected officials. Serena did all this. But somewhere along the line I guess she didn’t follow the bidding of the GOP chairman in Monmouth County. I don’t know this, because of course, he never told any of us constituents that he didn’t think Serena was doing a good job in Trenton. Nor did he tell us she ought to be replaced until the very last minute. In fact, he didn’t even ask us who her replacement should be. He just appeared out of the clouds one day, said Serena with all her grace and experience wasn’t good enough, and another lady from Holmdel who may or may not ever have been in Trenton or may or may not even know what an Assemblyman does, would be better than the experienced, highly respected veteran. So the GOP Committee had its routine election the other night, a convention that was anything but routine. It started 40 minutes late because there were so many problems with people trying to get on to the Zoom meeting, trying to hear, trying to see who else was there, wondering how they were going to vote, asking where their ballot was. In short, it was a mess. But to the credit of party leaders and their tech staff, the show finally went on, candidates were introduced, could talk for three minutes, then committee members could go to their e-mails, get their ballots, vote if they could, or call their local chairman if they couldn’t, and voila! Another Convention over and done with. The result wasn’t pretty. There were numerous problems, from the two kinds of balloting offered to the fact in order to vote for one assembly candidate, you were FORCED to vote for two. That’s right. Whether you liked a second choice for the two seats or whether you did not, in order to cast ONE ballot for ONE candidate, you have to vote for TWO. Yep, right here in the United States of America. The land of freedom and choice. Well, Assemblywoman Serena DiMaso lost. And here’s why I like her even more now and truly want her to be my assemblywoman fighting for me in Trenton. She didn’t throw up her arms and start screaming “foul!” She didn’t yell she was robbed because she lost. She didn’t do anything that would make me lose respect for her. Instead, she issued a statement: "Thank you to everyone for your wonderful support and your kind words, my heart is full. While last night's county convention didn't turn out the way we had hoped, I am truly blessed with friends and family like yourselves. Make no mistake I will continue to fight, for you, for our children and for what's right. I represent you. This seat belongs to you and for as long as I am in it, your voice will always be heard." So besides, being a fighter, Serena is a lady! Besides being knowledgeable about New Jersey law, Serena is calm and collected. Besides being a woman who can stand up against insults, ridicule, dishonesty and unfairness, Serena shows gratitude. She might be a fighter and a politician, but Serena DiMaso is also a lady. That bodes well for all of us. Because of this election the other night, Serena will not be on the ballot in June under the GOP banner. But hopefully, and she hasn’t really announced this yet, though she’s hinted at it, she might mount a challenge to the party Chairman’s choice. If she does, her name will be in a separate column, and voters will have their choice of electing her as well as either the other incumbent or the new lady from Holmdel, since we will still have two Assembly representatives along with Senator Declan O’Scanlon. I for one hope Assemblywoman Serena DiMaso chooses to run independently as a Republican in the June primary. When ladies like Commissioner Burry, former Deputy Governor Kim Guadagno, the Holmdel Mayor and so many others who have worked with Serena show such support for her in the face of the party Chairman’s personal dislike, it convinces me more than ever that she indeed is doing the job she was elected to do and will continue to do for another term and beyond.

I do want to thank the Highlands Mayor and Council for changing and upgrading their manner of doing business at public meetings. There’s obviously a lot more courtesy being shown the public, and as a result, a lot more courtesy from the public to the governing body. So that’s all great and appreciated. The Mayor also gave a great synopsis of some of major things both the governing body and local organizations and people have done during 2020, and that’s worth a separate story on its own which is in the making. While upbeat and vibrant, the synopsis also talked of the many fine people the borough lost last year, and it is nice so many were remembered at least one more time. I’m happy the Mayor acknowledged Tommy Ptak’s Vietnam death 53 years ago at the very end of the meeting, and I hope people who knew him or even didn’t know him but appreciate the sacrifices our military make for a free nation, will take a half hour March 27 to attend the 8 a.m. memorial mass for him at OLPH even though it is five days after his anniversary. Now if council members and professionals could even answer all the questions, get back with information when they say they will, and keep the public better informed, it would be even better. There were several examples of each of these at the last meeting. It’s fascinating how much song and dancing is being done around the Captains Cove Marina development, notably the part about giving away another piece of borough property, if it really is, to a single owner. But that is going to require a separate story which is I’ll include when I gather together some more facts. However, for a professional borough attorney to shrug it off to residents words in a resolution that take borough time and are apparently important, as “it’s only a whereas” makes me wonder if “only a whereas” is even necessary to be included in a resolution in the first place. To say “that’s not happening” then deny saying it when a resident repeats his very words is downright insulting to the resident. And it was only a resident, not the attorney, who made it clear: by law, vacating a borough street requires the borough to notify the adjacent property owners it is going to be considered The attorney made it pretty clear though, residents are only going to be able to talk about this giveaway at the public hearings after Council has pretty much hashed out what it wants and made up its mind. It was also fascinating to see how the attorney simply cut off Councilman Melnick when the elected official was trying to be informative about meta-data, an area he with his knowledge and experience with computers knows well. The councilman was being open and direct, it was the attorney who interrupted him and wouldn’t let him finish. Does make me wonder if there’s more to that story, too. Speaking on interrupting, it also appeared, unless electronic inefficiencies are to blame, that the former councilwoman who tried valiantly to ask all her questions in that three minute time frame, was simply cut off in the middle of a question. Even the mayor noticed that, because she tried to interpret the question for her and get it answered. The clerk does a terrific job at these meetings, where even the administrator doesn’t say much or anything at all, so this isn’t a condemnation of the clerk if equipment failed. She’s hardworking, accurate, has too many things to do at the same time during a meeting and certainly is timely in her responses to all queries. And it’s appreciated. On the surface, the Mayor’s recommendations to use most of that nearly half a million dollars the borough will reportedly be getting to pay off some of the loans that impact taxes is a good one, but has she studied it enough to even think of a recommendation yet? She didn’t announce at the meeting that we’re anticipating a big chunk of money and she hasn’t talked to the four others who get to vote on its use yet, but she’s already made up her own mind on what do to with it. I for one hope, and think, because I do think she always has the good of the borough at heart, that she’s open to changing her recommendations once we all learn the specific amount and she has some time to talk to the other elected voting officials about it.

Or… .plead guilty to dumping on property, we’ll give you more Is it part of a street? Doesn’t appear to be. Is it an abandoned right-of-way? Doesn’t appear to be. How big is it? Well, not exactly sure. Is it part of somebody else’s property? Not exactly sure of that either. Is it property owned by the borough? Not even sure of that since borough maps don’t even say who owns it. But no matter. It’s on the agenda at tomorrow night’s meeting of the Mayor and Council to be given to Captain’s Cove Marina, along with making them responsible for the Redevelopment Area established three years ago. Yes, Captain’s Cove Marina. The very same business that was in municipal court today admitting guilt dumping on yet another piece of borough property, a paper street parallel to Huddy Avenue and running alongside the Marina. Several plea bargains and a couple of hundred dollars resolved the issue for three different companies, but read the story on that in another section of Veni, Vide, Scripto. But it is certainly ironic that less than 48 hours after a property owner has his lawyer go to court and openly admit to the court and forever on the record that yes, indeed, he is guilty of illegal dumping on borough property, the mayor and council are going to turn around and give him some more property. Is the reasoning, what the heck, he’s going to illegally dump if we own it, but it’ll be okay if he dumps on land he owns himself? So follow this carefully. That very quick action the governing body tried to get done at the last meeting under Resolution 21-71, which they took out, switched in another in its place and simply erased the one dealing with the land giveaway, is back on for tomorrow’s meeting as Resolution 21-85, the last of the resolutions they’ve got on the agenda. Read it carefully. It’s recalling that in March, 2018, the borough established the Captains Cove Marina as an area in need of redevelopment, then in December of that year adopted the Plan to redevelop it, and a few other things. Now the town fathers and mothers are “conditionally and exclusively” designating the company the redeveloper of the property for 180 days, or, if the borough administrator extends it for another 90 days after he consults with counsel and other advisors. That’s not all, keep reading. So, the Company, that’s Captains’ Cove Marina, wants to redevelop the property including new bulkheads, docks and structures (wouldn’t that be nice, not repaired, but NEW!) and since they want to do all this for the town, they want public access to their land, and they want it through the Rogers Avenue right-of-way. What’s more, once it’s vacated, they want it automatically conveyed to them. Honest, all this is in the resolution, not even an ordinance, simply the Captains Cove Marina wants some property, so sure, let’s give it to them. Now it gets a little trickier if you’re still reading. The borough map doesn’t show this specific little piece of property as a right of way, a road, or anything. It doesn’t say on the map who really owns it and for that matter is it actually a part of Rogers Avenue? IS there really any proof the borough owns what they want to give to Captains Cove Marina? Call me Curious, call me Concerned, Call me someone who wants the governing body to move a little slower and look a little more carefully before once again giving away something that belongs to ALL the people of Highlands, not just those who want to improve their business and use borough funds and property to do it. Hey, it’s been around since 2018 that we know of, what’s wrong with a little time to let the taxpayers know exactly what’s going on.

There are so many things that make me wonder what exactly is going on in Highlands government these days. There was a resolution, 21-71 on the agenda as of the day before the last council meeting. When you read through the resolutions, it spelled out the entire resolution. Then comes the meeting. The resolution 21-71 that was acted on was entirely different from, and in no way connected to the one posted the day before the meeting. Furthermore, the original 21-71…are you still with me?.... was no where to be seen. Nor could it be easily found a few days after the meeting. But I bet it will come up at next week’s council meeting with a fresh new 21-something Resolution Identification number. The things I wonder about are many. But for now, what exactly is the legality of posting one resolution, taking it off, giving the same number to another and moving forward? For that matter, how and why did the second 21-71 get to be acted on at that meeting when there had been no mention of it, no sight of it before the meeting? It makes me wonder what is the rush in the first place? Aren’t these the same people who don’t want to be criticized because they’re new on the job and need time to get acclimated and learn the ropes? The same people who introduced six or seven new ordinances ten minutes after they took their oath of office in January? The same people who wanted to approve a $10 million bond ordinance without even explaining anything to the people. Admittedly, they did end up having a truly good and well run, thank you, Mayor, explanatory meeting which didn’t give out too many new facts, but it was an effort anyway. So what exactly is the rush? By the way, read the already approved 21-71 resolution and see if you can ascertain why it was so truly important to put it on the agenda after the agenda was posted. And then check out the agenda for this next meeting and carefully read any proposed new resolutions by any ID number. There is apt to be one out there giving away yet another piece of borough property. You remember they just gave away a hunk of Cornwall Street, right? Well this one is right up there smack next to the Captains Cove Marina. You know, where that dredged soil was illegally dumped, beryllium or not. And where the owner et all are scheduled in municipal court next week to answer charges for municipal illegalities. Well, well, well, it’s the day before the elected leaders might be giving them that piece of land at their meeting the next night. And since when can you abandon roads and give the property to adjacent property owners by resolution and not ordinance? Isn’t this the people’s property, regardless of size or condition? Well, that also makes me wonder, is it really borough property in the first place the governing body now wants to give away? Now, if the borough ends up paying for the 2,038 page engineer’s report that was the result of illegally dumped soil, aren’t you taxpayers being overly generous in not only giving a private individual a piece of Highlands but also paying to be sure it’s clean from the debris and disease he may have spread in it?

Dick Stryker is probably one of the most respected pharmacists around, as are the team that work at both the MIddletown Pharmacy in Campbells Junction and the pharmacy he opened at the Foodtown shopping center in Atlantic Highlands so many years ago. His son, Rich, is carrying on the same traditions and excellence at his dad and uncle ahead of him. But it's Dick, the former Mayor, who is writing his frustration at why the pharmacy, which has been so well prepared for so long, can't get the vaccine to administer it their customers and so many others who have jammed the phone lines asking to get on the list. His letter shows both his frustration and his simple solution to the problem.. let the home town pharmacists get the vaccine and the problem is solved!. How to immediately expand sites for the Covid 19 vaccine The Governor continues to expand eligibility with no regard to availability of the vaccine. As we continue in this dangerous path let me suggest an easy solution to this present problem. Community pharmacies. Community Pharmacists have continued to serve their communities in times of blizzards, hurricanes, power outages, and recently covid situations. They have maintained their pharmacies to provide their customers and residents of the area throughout all the restrictions in order to prevent any disruption of their medical treatments for any problem. Community pharmacists have for years been giving flu shots, pneumonia vaccines, shingles vaccines, all shots, pneumonia vaccines, all in the comfortable and familiar settings of their pharmacies. So when information about covid vaccines being available these community pharmacists were up front and purchased the new sub-zero refrigeration. They set up injection sites four and five in a store with necessary screening making it possible, comfortable, and close to home for their customers to become protected. But they have been denied the opportunity to serve their patients and the community where they are located. Instead, their patients and elderly are now being directed to chain pharmacies with no connection to local communities. We in community pharmacies have all the facilities, the people to administer shots, the know how to do it and are fully prepared as we have been for months. Why have all the sites receiving the vaccine been to chain pharmacies only? Richard Stryker

It was great sitting in on the Highlands communications committee meeting last night and hearing how all these very interested people want to improve communications between town leaders and the residents. I wish them well and hope they succeed because an educated citizenry is a safe citizenry. But through all their hard work, and they are hardworking, there was no mention of newspapers, fliers, or any non-technical resources for all those residents who don’t use computers, don’t know how to access files or information or simply like to hold information in their hands. It might be passe and the wave of the future is slowly obliterating all of that, but for today’s residents, it should still be a consideration. I would also like to see the committee pay closer attention to information they already have up on all those modern means. Trying to do a story on what seems like a great Mayor’s Fitness program for March, it mentions all the crafts and things at the Community Center. But never once does the site mention that none of those things is available simply because the community center is closed during the Covid crisis. Looks good on paper, but it simply isn’t accurate. And shouldn’t accuracy be the first consideration in communications?

It makes me wonder why the Borough of Highlands has a Mayor and Council and not simply a Mayor. First of all, several of the councilmembers said it wasn’t fair for people to demand so much of them, expect them to know so much, etc., when they just got on the job and they deserve time to get acclimated. Forget about the fact they were eager to simply pass a $10 million bond ordinance with their limited time and experience on the job. Then most of council didn’t think it was a bad thing to let the Mayor on her own make decisions concerning a “confidential aide” for the mayor and the administrator. That gives the mayor the sole power to make administrative decisions and decisions that cost the taxpayers money without any input from any of the other four persons duly elected with her. Now it looks like the council is once again giving way too much power to the Mayor alone. Check out the proposed resolution on tap for adoption tomorrow night, where the Mayor or administrator can make mind boggling decisions, alone, without any input from the rest of the governing body, concerning Captains Cove Marina. Why do we have a Council? For that matter, why do we have a paid administrator? Another resolution on tap tomorrow spreads out the $2 million or so the borough owes that could be paid off in three years, but with adoption of this ordinance, it won’t be paid off for ten years. Keep that in mind when considering that $10 million bond and wonder how long that will keep taxpayers in debt.

Judging from what I’ve been hearing from Highlands taxpayers this week, many are eager to hear what the chief financial officer has to say about bonding nine and a half million dollars. Mayor Carolyn Broullon has said the CFO will be present at the special meeting Tuesday evening at 7 to answer questions on the proposed $9.5 million bond issue for a $10 million bond to build that new borough hall on Route 36. Some people are frightened they are going to be paying taxes for a long time before the building is even finished. That’s because the architect’s website still stays it’ll all be complete within the next four months. Really? Residents seems to be armed with a lot of questions they really hope get answered before action is taken to raise their taxes for years to come. They’re asking what the impact on the present rate will be, when it will take effect, how long it will take to pay off this debt, how much more are they going to have to pay both in add-ons during and after construction as well as for furnishings and everything else needed for inside before the building can be used. One person who read the architect’s website said if Miller St. is the “landmark entrance” to the complex, why does it look like the front door, or entrance, faces a back yard on Valley Avenue? These are only some of the questions I’ve heard this week. Others are asking whether there will be a construction manager, one person who can oversee everything or is that all still going to be handled by the firm that designed the building. One person wondered whether the First Aid Squad was involved in the plans to move their headquarters up there, and for that matter, how are ambulances going to fare crossing Route 36 at say, 10 a.m. on the Fourth of July? “Hill” people say those motorists don’t ever leave the access road open to get downtown. Yes, the building is bi-level, but I feel certain the architect will explain Tuesday how that impacts residents with walking or climbing problems or if there’s need for an elevator or escalator. Has FEMA come back and looked at the situation again, or do they still think this is all the best solution they went with those several years ago? The Chief of Police will be there to answer questions as well, and again, I feel confident he’ll be able to produce figures and studies that will assure residents that those summer days when traffic is backed up for two miles on Route 36 will have no impact on how swiftly an officer can get to a call for help down in Waterwitch or at one of the restaurants along the water front. Folks who have lived on the hill for many years might have some horror stories of their own to tell on how difficult it was to get a patrol car from downtown to Mountain St. on a highway-busy day in August in the past. As of now, there’s no agenda posted for the regular meeting Wednesday night. Nor has there been any public advertisement for an executive meeting of the governing body between Tuesday’s public hearing and Wednesday’s regular meeting. Hopefully, that means Council does not plan on introducing the bond ordinance at Wednesday’s meeting, because that would certainly appear they weren’t taking into any consideration anything the folks have to say Tuesday night. Surely something in the $10 million range, particularly for a council that still wants time to get acclimated to their new positions, would take more time for consideration that the regular pre-meeting executive session Wednesday. I mean, we haven’t had a borough hall since Sandy, what difference could it make time-wise to take a little time to consider concerns or maybe even incorporate new ideas of the taxpayers?

I’m sure everyone in the Bayshore in particular is thrilled to hear that Serena DiMaso is running for another term as the Assemblywoman for the 13th Legislative District which includes all the towns along the Bayshore from Keyport to Monmouth Beach, as well as Middletown, Fair Haven, Rumson and a few more. She’s certainly an outspoken voice for so many issues since she first went to Trenton in 2018 and because of her experience and hard work, has worked herself into positions of even more influence and power which is a good thing. She is Deputy Whip for the Assembly Republican Caucus and sits on the Assembly Budget Committee, Assembly Law & Public Safety Committee, and the Assembly Telecommunications & Utilities Committee, as well as the Martin Luther King, Jr. Commission and the Special Task Force on Volunteer Retention and Recruitment. That’s an awful lot to handle in addition to everything else she does, not the least of which is spoiling a gorgeous grandbaby. I particularly like that in all the official bios, Serena has “legislator” as her job, meaning she devotes full time to being a representative of this part of Monmouith County in Trenton. I didn’t know Serena when she was on the Township Committee in Holmdel until after she became the Mayor in 2006, but I both read about, and wrote about, all her dynamo efforts for her town over the next five or six years. I always admired what a strong supporter she was of protecting all that farmland and open space that still makes Holmdel beautiful. Then I got to know more about her and write more about her during her three terms on the County Board of Freeholders, especially when she was Deputy Director for a few years. To that position, she also brought all her experience from expanding shared services in the township, something the county board is so strong in supporting as well. As the mother of four, she long since practiced responsible budgeting so for that reason alone it’s great to see her on governmental boards. She and Freeholder Lillian Burry were a great team of ladies working hard to maintain budgets we could live with! She also has a terrific husband, Dr. Gerald, a physician who doesn’t ever seem to complain about the long hours and days Serena devotes to helping others. I love that Serena still stays on the Holmdel First Aid Squad in addition to everything else she does, all our volunteer squads need so much help these days and everyone who volunteers like she does helps lighten the load and keep our communities safe. But that’s so typical of her. When she heard Atlantic Highlands’ former Mayor Dick Stryker was celebrating a big birthday, she not only wanted to have a resolution honoring him for all he’s done but insisted on coming to town to join the celebration family and friends had planned for him and be part of the crowd wishing him a happy birthday. She’s never to busy to take care of the little things as well. Serena is an attorney with a degree from St. John’s University, so she can easily work her way through those reams of laws and statutes that run the state. It probably helps that she also holds degrees in economics and marketing, so the combination helps us all. Just read there’s another woman who’s throwing her bonnet in the ring to vie for Serena’s seat. I’m sure she’s a very nice lady, don’t know anything about her experience, but for the life of me, cannot see why anyone could think she’d be better than the experienced Serena at the job. What’s that saying? If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it??? Serena has proven she only fixes the ‘broke’ things and does that with class, speed, professionalism and determination! Zoom in Friday, March 5 to the Atlantic Highlands GOP meeting. (Councilman Brian Boms can put you on the list for checking in.) Serena will be a guest speaker at the meeting and will also be listening to what that community has to say about what it wants from the state.

Haven’t seen the date yet for the public hearing on the $10 million for the new borough hall on Route 36 in Highlands, but couldn’t help but notice, and notice it again listening to the last meeting of the Highlands Mayor and Council how much nicer and more professional the meeting was. Praise to the Mayor for conducting a far better meeting; praise to the council-members who not only answered questions but seemed eager to do so. It was refreshing and well deserved of the compliments several listeners paid to the proceedings. Happy for the change, happy it was noticed. Now the next thing would be to give equal time to everyone during the public portion. You simply can’t tell one person you don’t even live here because you don’t like his presentations or don’t want to answer his questions, then recognize to talk another person who doesn’t live in Highlands but wants to thank you for passing a law, even before the Governor’s approval, that will allow cannabis shop or shops….there isn’t anything yet that says how many…..in town. Would have been nicer to hear compliments from a Highlands resident since it’s Highlands people, not Eatontown people, who will be the ones living closer to the new, first ever, kind of store. And regardless of what others say, check out the clock on the recorded meeting. No, they do not give three minutes to each person who wants it, yes, they do mute some if they don’t like what you’re saying, though I don’t know who makes that decision, and yet others they recognize more than once during a public portion. It’s not fair but given how much better this last council meeting was, I can’t help but think the mayor is being considerate and is being attentive to things that appear unfair and unprofessional. Thanks.

At two different meetings of the Highlands Borough Council, at least one, sometimes two, members of the council said the town is “growing in leaps and bounds.” That made me wonder, because I’ve lived in or been very close to the town since the mid-1950s. I remember taking my youngsters to the merry-go-round….opps, that isn’t there anymore. I remember at least three wonderful restaurants on Route 36, the Himalaya, a great Indian restaurant with some pretty wonderful people owning it and serving in it, the Cedar Inn, first made famous by the gracious and generous Knittels, later owned by others, including a former councilwoman, and of course the Stowaway, which thankfully is still around as Off the Hook, and still a great place to eat. Ok, so that’s one out of three restaurants is still operating, liquor license and all. I can’t remember how many taverns there were, someplace around 30. Fewer than that now, but I suppose, still enough to keep people satisfied. I remember Johnny Sciortino’s father had a bowling alley before I got here. That was a great place because that even included some summer jobs for kids setting up the pins. Ben Goldwasser’s 5&10 was sheer joy for any kid to go in with a spare nickel or dime. Both the Bedle’s and Art Cohen ran very sophisticated pharmacies, almost across the street from each other. Oops, both gone, along with the 5&10. Along with Fehlhaber’s. And the two…TWO… hardware stores ,the Johnston Brothers in Waterwitch and Kadenbach’s in the middle of town. Heck, I even remember the very elegant Joy Shop, a wonderful women’s dress store run by the Joy family of Atlantic Highlands. Dr Meltzer had his dental office upstairs. Wow!, they’re all gone, though another generation of Dr. Meltzer has a very successful practice in another town. It’s true, no one could really replace Ralph the Shoemaker, but today, it would be nice to be able to just go into town to get new heels put on shoes or have a leather purse repaired. There’s still a laundromat or two in town, but the one in Waterwitch is at the cost of Frantin’s Market being lost, and isn’t an addition, since it takes the place of the one that used to be across the street from it, Lola Canns. The liquor store is still there, but not the gas station that was on the corner. Wow, even Neimarks store with its shelves of fresh fruits and vegetables out front during spring and summer isn’t there anymore. In the 60s, we bragged that the first supermarket ever in the Bayshore was John Azzolina’s Food Basket on Bay Avenue. Isn’t that store empty now? I could go on, but it is depressing. So then I decided to look at census figures from the start of each decade. They wouldn’t lie, for sure. I found there were just over 2,000 year round residents in 1940. And more than 5,000 residents in 1980!. Now, that I would say, is something like growing in leaps and bounds. Especially since there were growths everyone of those decades in-between.The next ten years saw a drop in population, about 238 fewer persons lived here. But we got most of them back in the next ten years cycle. So then when we got to 2010, the last census that’s official, we dropped maybe 87 people. All of which is to say we had more people living in Highlands in the 1980s than any other time in recorded history. But look, the Growing in leaps and bounds people will say, we’re about to get more! We’re going to have two rather large buildings on one of the scenic points on the top of the hill, just below Top of the East. That will bring in lots of folks. Perhaps. But what happened to all those folks who were living in all those RVs and trailer homes on that same site? Will the number even out or be less albeit with more space for cars and paved parking lots. My kids remember growing up in Highlands and looking forward to summer and renewing friendships with part-time residents, the families who came down summers and shared our beaches, our merry-go-round, our restaurants and our shops, adding money to local business coffers and paying taxes on houses used only part of the year. Where are all those folks today? The summer cottages and the hotel at Conners are gone, so are the bungalows on 4th and 5th streets. So is the Alpine Manor and the Stowaway Hotel, though Ben Trask’s house next to Henry Hudson is now a charming B&B. Churches. There used to be three very active churches in town. Now there are two, and yes, another empty building. A parking lot replaces the borough hall though I suppose the newly promoted $10 million edifice on the highway will be considered a growth in leaps and bounds. At least it will be in the amount of taxes imposed to pay for it. So leaps and bounds council-members? Really? Don’t you know any of the history of the town and its people?

We haven't heard anything about it for a long time but pay attention! On the agenda at Wednesday's meeting of the Highlands Mayor and Council is a brand-new bond ordinance, this one for $9.5 million. Certainly, that should be enough to get taxpayers interested enough to zoom into the meeting and ask questions. The money is for construction of a new borough hall. While there is no doubt one is needed, although admittedly, the borough has functioned for a long time without one. But when it comes to burdening the taxpayers with another $9.5 million in debt, it's time some really hard questions are asked, and really hard, difficult questions should be answered. If there are any of these questions that are too difficult for the governing body to answer.... remember some elected officials have asked for a 'grace period' because they're so new on the job.... then maybe even now, after all this time, it's still time to put off a bond ordinance until the questions are answered and the residents know everything that will be entailed. For starters, here are a few that the public is entitled to know more about: This bond ordinance solicits $9.5 million of a $10 million appropriation, where does the $500,000 deficit come from? This bond ordinance solicits $9.5 million of a $10 million appropriation, what documents outline the construction cost estimate this $10 million represents? How much of this $10 million is set aside for cost overrun? How much of this $10 million is set aside for construction management? Is there any firm identified as the construction manager, or is this role going out to a competitive bid? What firm prepared the construction cost estimate? Understanding that the Borough has a services agreement with Middletown, are there any anticipated building or building inspection fees that will have to be paid to Middletown, and if so, are those fees included in this allocated $10 million? What is the total cost to taxpayers of or for this $10 million? What is the estimated sq. ft. cost of this proposed new building to include both hard and soft costs? What impact to taxpayers, i.e. an increase or decrease of any tax, including property, sales or other instrument, is anticipated by the issuance of this bond, or the construction of the proposed Borough Hall is there? Hurricane Sandy happened in October of 2012, some 8 years, 3 1/2 months ago, what has been the cost of delay from building in 2013 until today? Is the borough receiving, or has it received any state or federal funds from Sandy relief to finance any construction of a new borough hall? Have any applications been made for any state or federal funds for the construction necessary because of Hurricane Sandy? What is the time frame for construction? What are the plans for the several buildings that has been used in the absence of a borough hall for eight years? Will it result in more costs or more income? Is this the final design for the building and does it really face the backyard of the house on the corner of Valley Avenue? If they mayor and council cannot answer even one of these questions, then in the interest of not wasting any more money, perhaps they should get the answers, then reassess the situation based on having all the facts.

I readily admit I’m an old-time journalist who believes in covering a story and covering a story with equality and fairness. I’ve won awards for doing just that from the time Marion Dunlevy was accused of being a common scold in Middletown. But the time, space and editorial comment surrounding the three-month-old summons issued to a former Freehold resident who went on to become rich and famous for some of the songs he’s written and sung about his hometown and county are ridiculous. But one writer went over the edge in my opinion, in opining the park ranger simply recognized the aging singer and gave him a summons to bring attention to Sandy Hook! What an insult to our park rangers, what a leap of egoism to immediately presume a young ranger…and I don’t know whether he is young or older…. would recognize someone who was once more famous for his voice than he is for a Jeep commercial or political opinion. If I were to wonder about anything in this incident, it would be whether, if indeed the ranger saw alcohol being transferred, the person handing over the alcohol was also summoned. There are laws against alcohol on federal property. I would wonder whether that person was tested for alcohol as well. I would wonder whether the charged driver was then allowed to get back on his bike and drive off the Hook. I would wonder, if it mattered that much to me. I’m more impressed with how clean, protected, and beautiful Sandy Hook is kept and how courteous the rangers always are.

It’s fascinating to see the similarities and differences between the meetings of the governing bodies of the two close knit towns of Highlands and Atlantic Highlands. Both have a fairly large percentage of residents who turn out for every meeting. Both have a fair number of residents who frequently speak out at many meetings. The difference here is that in Atlantic Highlands, council members do not make it appear they think the residents are attacking them or asking questions they do not have the right to ask. In Atlantic Highlands, the administrator makes certain every regulation is followed stringently….proper motions are made, seconded, and roll calls taken for every phase of a proposed ordinance. In Highlands, the mayor asks for motions in some cases, opens and closes public hearings without any vote, and is not following Roberts Rules of Order but must be following some ordinance the borough must have adopted some time in the past, though I don’t know when, that sets up a different procedure. And it must be proper, because the attorney never says anything about it and ordinances, lots of them, become the law of the land. In Atlantic Highlands, there is no time limit on how long an attendee can speak or ask questions; in Highlands, the procedure is three minutes tops, though there are times the speaker is shut down before the three minutes has elapsed, or the questioner’s time is included in the time when a councilmember might be answering. In Atlantic Highlands, if a council member is asked a question, he or she receives a polite, courteous response, unlike the last Highlands meeting when the councilman simply stared ahead and did not respond in any manner. In Atlantic Highlands, councilmembers even seem to enjoy doing the business of the town and never mind how much time it takes to do it; in Highlands, where they recently passed an ordinance to hire someone to assist the mayor and administrator, council members plead for more time, because they’re new on the job. Both towns have at least one similarity at public meetings. There is at least one councilmember in each town whose spouse also likes to speak out and be heard at public meetings. Of course she’s got every right to do so, and I applaud her for speaking her mind. But wouldn’t you think she’d discuss these things with her husband before a meeting. Or doesn’t she think his voice and opinion are strong enough to be heard without her adding to the discussion?

In my recent article, "Never Forget! (more like no one remembers)" I wrote "I was struck three years ago when March 22 went came and went in Highlands without so much as a recognition for Tommy Ptak" my words were limiting and incorrect. Although the administration of the Borough of Highlands did not publicly recognize the 50th year of Tommy's passing, a day so wrenching that it took many of us to our knees, this painful and emotionally commemorative date did not pass unnoticed by some. The Highlands Historical Society has never forgotten, not on the anniversary of Tommy's death, not on Memorial Day, not any day. For that, we should all be eternally grateful and appreciative. Below is the Email I received from the President of the Historical Society, and my response. When you have the opportunity, visit their Facebook page, there are a lot of good things that we shouldn't be forgetting either https://www.facebook.com/groups/HistoricalSocietyofHighlands Hi Muriel, Enjoying your blog but must correct the impression that young Tommy Ptak's death while in the service during Vietnam went unmentioned during the anniversary of that terrible day. The Historical Society of Highlands posted a remembrance and brief biography of Mr. Ptak on its Facebook group page. We also posted about Tommy on Memorial day.. We try to keep the memory of those we have lost alive but sometimes we miss. But we do try. We encourage your readers to join our group, post memories and photos, ask questions and to engage in dialog. And, lest I forget, many, many thank yous for doing your part in keeping Highlands history alive. Best, Sheila Weinstock President, Historical Society of Highlands Thanks so much, Sheila, and my apologies for any appearance I was inferring the Highlands Historical Society did not remember Tommy Ptak. I know, as a member, and one who loves everything the HHS is doing to keep alive the importance of Highlands history,I know the Society always acknowledges, praises, and laments the loss of Tommy and every other Highlands veteran. MY purpose was simply to keep people aware that history indeed is made every day, and those of us who were part of late day history certainly love and always want to remember Tommy. Thanks for all you do and for keeping history alive in Highlands. And now I'm also looking forward to all you're doing with the Twin Lights Historical society, and can't wait for the summer exhibit! Cheers to Walt Guenther for all he is doing working with the lighthouse historians...and what a real group they are as well! Summer should be terrific at the Twin Lights...and in Highlands.

Mind you, this is the same council-Member that is rumored to have posted on social media that some of his constituents are negative and vile ... Let that sink in! Last night’s borough council meeting in Highlands left so many things to wonder, not the least of which was the councilman who simply chose to sit and look at the camera rather than be polite and courteous. Perhaps it is the elected officials’ right not to respond to questions…not a great reaction to the people who put you in office and depend on you to run their town well, but an option, nonetheless. But even that can be done with courtesy and respect. A simple thank you for the question would have done it. The questioner…a former council member to boot, asked the question at the January meeting, acknowledged it was a brand new council and gave a heads up that she’d appreciate an answer at the February meeting. The councilman didn’t make it any more palpable after the public portion was shut down when he said he doesn’t answer questions motivated by politics. So let’s see now…he can sit there and immediately make a decision about motivation of someone asking a question, then make a decision not to answer it……but he can’t do research and answer a question about municipal business in four weeks? But the former council member never got her answer. Actually, that councilman’s answer was not only rude, it was downright condescending, supercilious, contemptuous, disdainful, and arrogant. It started with “I'm a 37 year old man, I don't need to go back and forth…” Really? Why? What does age have anything to do with being polite to people who put you in office? Would it make a difference if he were 28? or 87? “It's just not going to be useful for the town,” he continued, then concluded, “that's how I choose to handle things.” So, because he’s 37, has made a decision in an instant that something isn’t useful to the town, forget about listening to more in case it is something useful to the town, the town he just six weeks ago got elected to govern, now he chooses to handle things by simply ignoring a voter? It gets better. The councilman then explains why it’s ok for him to be silent. That’s his way of saying "OK, you're going to say what you're going to say, and there's nothing I can do about it.“ Is that saying that a resident can only say certain things, things specifically that the councilman wants to hear” AH, but he continues to explain…all this, mind you, where the public wasn’t allowed to speak any more. “ if you have any other questions, honest to god, I hope it doesn't come off like I'm ignoring particular people. But at the same time, he said, “I don't waste my time on things that are more attacks instead of questions, and with other motives to them, and that's how I choose to handle things" How simply arrogant! Is he really saying it’s a waste of time to listen to the public? Is he really saying it’s a waste of time to listen to anyone HE perceives as attacking?

HIGHLANDS – There’s no doubt about it, the water was gushing through the bulkhead, there are holes in the bulkhead, and it needs to be addressed, Public Works Director Ron Boyce told the Mayor and Council as last night’s council meeting, referring to the bulkhead atCaptain’s Cove Marina. Councilwoman Linda Mazzola made note in her report that the Snug Harbor area ‘held up well’ during the snowstorm and had minimal flooding compared to the Captain‘s Cove Marina area to Snug Harbor, where she said there was the most flooding. Tricia Rivera, a frequent outspoken resident at council meeting once again asked what is being done to correct the problems at the Marina. “Why isn’t the Marina an emergent issue?” She asked, adding, “something needs to be done.” Former Code Enforcement Officer Jim Smith questioned what action has been taken on soil testing in the wake of the marina’s illegal dumping on borough property of soil containing beryllium, reported as a carcinogen above accepted levels according to the Department of Environmental Protection report of the Marina dredge spoils. Yet the governing body took no action on any those concerns voiced by local residents and their DPW Director, as well as refusing to answer several other questions from several different residents before Mayor Carolyn Broullon abruptly closed down the public portion of the meeting. Captain’s Cove Marina has been an issue before the governing body for many months, with residents complaining about the failing bulkhead, the dredged soils being dumped on municipal property, the report the soils contained a carcinogen and other problems with the marina located between Huddy and Washington avenue, from Cheerful Place to the Shrewsbury River. With comparatively little on the agenda in routine business, it was the public portion that prompted anger from local residents, aimed first to Councilman KL Martin when he steadfastly remained silent, smiling and facing the camera as former Councilwoman Claudette D’Arrigo asked the councilman what he has done to encourage or educate prospective new business in the borough. D’Arrigo, speaking during the public portion, said she was also repeating a question both she and the late Carol Bucco asked at the January meeting. D’Arrigo stated since you didn’t answer me last meeting could you at least answer for Mrs. Bucco? Ms. Bucco died at Riverview Hospital a few hours before the last council meeting, but not before she had contacted D’Arrigo to ask her to ask questions at the meeting for her. The question was for Mayor Broullon concerning the HBP and the fact that since the HBP was sunsetted and its financial ties severed from the town; did the Mayor intend to have the HBP involved in any future. Highlands town or governmental issues in the future? The Mayor skirted the question and did not answer but stated the “HBP is a 501C3 non-profit charitable organization with no ties to the town” and while it is the only one in the borough, any business is invited to join any chamber of business group it wishes. The second question D’Arrigo directed at Councilman Martin concerning his campaign platform. The former councilwoman said she posed this question at the Jan 20 council meeting and acknowledged that Martin could respond at the next meeting. At that time, she said, she understood Martin was new to the governing body and he may not know the answer and she wanted to give him time to research his answer. Her question concerned prospective businesses and their need to know the different zones for construction and businesses, in order to weigh costs, availability, and probability of success in the area. When Martin continued to look forward and refused to respond in any manner and after asking whether she could be heard, and if Martin could answer, his only response was “I’m right here.” Resident Melissa Pedersen also received no response to her questions on whether the confidential assistant approved as a new position in an ordinance passed at the last meeting has been hired. The adopted ordinance gives the mayor sole power to hire and replace the new person in the new position, as well as to set hours and salary within the $10,000 to $60,000 range the ordinance allows. Pedersen asked why the governing body or the business administration would give such power to one person and not retain some control of the hiring process as the elected voices of the public, and whether Martin would continue to ignore “everyone’s questions or just certain people?” After the public portion was shut down, both Martin and several other councilmembers apologized if it appeared they were not responsive to the public but offered no further response and left the questions unanswered. Mayor Broullon did tell Jeffrey King of Eatontown, in response to his questions about permitting medical marijuana to be sold in the borough, that it will come up at the next council meeting on Feb. 17. The mayor explained, in response to his questions, that while it was set to go to the land use board, the borough learned it is inconsistent with the borough Master Plan so it is going back to the governing body and will be taken up Feb. 17. Smith, the former code enforcement officer, also asked, and his question was reiterated by Rivera, whether the borough or the Cove Marina would pay for the 38-page engineer’s report on the illegally dumped dredge soil, to which borough attorney Brian Chabarek responded, “we’re working on it.” To Smith, the borough engineer indicated the soil removal site was not yet tested to ensure the beryllium is absent because of the snow; however it is scheduled for next week. Before abruptly shutting down the public portion and failing to ask if any other residents wished to be heard, Broullon said it is difficult to accomplish everything because she has been accused of lining her own pockets, been accused of being the Mafia of Highlands, although no such allegations were voiced at the meeting. She called on everyone to be neighborly and help each other and work together.

One of the local newspapers that I do not write for but read had a page one story this week about last week’s Highlands Council meeting and focused on the vacation of Cornwall Street between the two terrific restaurants that are on either side of it. But the headline said the borough vacated property AT Cornwall Street, not Cornwall Street itself. It is rather misleading and incorrect when you realize the borough indeed vacated that portion of the street and now each restaurant will own half of what used to be borough property. BUT…BUT..the borough still owns the bulkhead at the very end directly on the Shrewsbury River, which means yes, taxpayers you’ll be responsible for the upkeep and repairs of it. But you can enjoy your drinks and the view from land which was once yours right next to it. Until, of course, the new owners of that borough street decide to build something on it, or put a gate up around it, or hey…maybe the owners will join their restaurants and build a spectacular addition to each across what used to be a borough road. I love both restaurants. I think they’re both an asset to the borough and I certainly frequent them simply because the staffs are terrific, the atmosphere great and the food spectacular. And yes, even the prices are right. So I applaud and encourage continued success for both. The story, continued inside on Page 8 complete with two photos and great coverage of that one portion of the meeting, then quotes “right a wrong” in that someone at the meeting said the road vacation was really passed 32 years ago but somebody slipped up on the paperwork so it was never official. So this council, this council with three new members in January and I daresay absent a total of 32 years COMBINED living in Highlands, is righting a wrong. By problem is really that the newspaper, which has good reporters and does a fine job in these days so difficult for print news, like the borough council, like so many people in town, don’t know what happened in Highlands 32 years ago. Or 40 years ago, or 50 years ago. Some probably don’t even know what happened last year. Councilwoman Mazzola tried to tell them, but no one apparently listened. She said the ordinance came up last year and that council, the council that was making all the rules up until January 1 and even had one member who, yes, has been living here for 32 years, rejected the ordinance. They voted it down. They said no, don’t give away borough land. So why are we going back to what people who weren’t here say happened 32 years ago? Councilman Martin said that’s one of the things wrong with the town. A lot of things happened, he said, that are incomplete, that were done wrong, so many, he opined that it’s a hallmark of a lot of things … Really? One of the reasons I wrote my latest book, The ABCs of Highlands, is because I do want to remind, or introduce, people to what happened in Highlands 10, 20, 40, 100 years ago. I was struck three years ago when March 22 went came and went in Highlands without so much as a recognition for Tommy Ptak. No place. By no one. Tommy Ptak is the borough’s only resident who gave his life in Vietnam. He had just turned 20 on Feb.1, 1968 and his family…all those siblings and the parents beloved by all in the neighborhood, Ben and Gerry, were all living in their every busy home at the corner of Highland and Valley avenues where the kids were all raised. Tommy was only in the country 98 days, serving in the Thua Thien section of South Vietnam, when he was struck by hostile gunfire and fell with multiple wounds. But when they brought his body home, the town turned out to show their grief and thanks, to let Tommy know they appreciated all he had done. Bud Bahrs was the mayor and ordered the flags at half-staff. Sal Giovenco was retired from his own incredible service to the nation, but he donned his uniform for the mass at OLPH to show his respect for a neighbor the same ages as his own kids. Overflowing crowds from school kids to oldsters turned out for the mass at OLPH and the town didn’t take long to name its soon to be completed senior building Ptak Towers. But 50 years later, on March 22, 2018, not even Ptak Towers did anything to tell Tommy and the Ptaks they still are grateful for the kid who made a sacrifice for his country. Historian Wal Guenther has been researching all the names of the heroes of the second World War memorial plaque and doing a terrific job of it. But there are some no one knows. No one remembers. Apparently because at some point, no one cared. These are only a couple of examples. Indeed, the town has changed. There are fewer and fewer families who can say they still live in the town where their grandfathers, great grandfathers, or four or five generations back lived. Fewer and fewer people even know who Joshua Huddy was, let alone Lady Barberie, for whom two streets are named. Heck, do people even thank Jimmy Kovic for that magnificent Miller St. hill wall? Jimmy’s a living, breathing incredible artist today whose artwork appears on the hill and other buildings in town and throughout the county. Do people even know Miller St. is named for a former Mayor? People do know a lot of the history of Bahrs Restaurant…because Jay and Becky Cosgrove do a great job of reminding everyone the role that family played in the business and commercial growth of Highlands four generations ago and since. Heck, did people even know how Cornwall St. got its name before they gave it away, or that the the property in question was used to dock the magnificent steam boats that brought scores of tourists and visitors to our town? Never forget is a shallow mantra that went the way of that dock and those steam boats.

Looking at the Highlands page on Facebook reminds me once again why what I originally thought was a great communications tool, I now think is a tool designed for cowards and complainers. Or maybe because it seems people are handling their problems differently these days.- It used to be , particularly with politics and local government issues, the opposing view talked to each other, criticized each other, gave their own opinions and the reasons they were certain they were right, either resolved the issue or agreed to disagree on it, then went on to the other important things in their lives. No more. So many people have gotten so litigious. Highlands on the Facebook page is a perfect example. It doesn’t seem like people want to work together to resolve or compromise. They want to call an attorney, they want to threaten lawsuits, they want to haul matters into court. Why? I volunteer as a mediator. I see how compromise works. I see how people who are so angry with each other they file suits against each actually take the opportunity to talk…not hire lawyers, simply talk to each other….and they find it’s so much cheaper, so much easier, so much more productive, to simply compromise. That way, both sides win a little, lose a little, but both save time, money and aggravation. What’s happened to that kind of thinking? Councilman Jim Murphy in Atlantic Highlands has the right idea. He is suggesting we all just sit back, take a deep breath, and discuss things like adults, with fervor and enthusiasm yes. But with courtesy and a cessation of threats to sue.

For those who might not know Cranston Dean and how fortunate Highlands was to have him donate so much time and talent for the causes Highlands thought were important, he's from New Jersey but they said he has an ancient New England soul and his music draws from his American background to everything..some jazz. some country, blues, and pop. He donated his time and talent in Highlands, thanks to some fine friends who sought him out but he's been featured at all the big clubs along the Jersey shore, from The Saint and the Wonder Bar, to yes, the Chubby Pickle right here in town. He's been seen with the River City Extension, Atlas Road Crew,and more, has toured the Atlantic Coast to Nashville, is hailed in Maine and all over New England, as well as the West Coat and lots of states in between. One of his albums was judged one of New Jersey's best, and you'd never know from talking to him that he's got such much more he doesn't even brag about.....being a jazz pianist, studied at the University of the Arts, is a two time Music Award Winner in Asbury as well as top multi-instrumentalist there. Congratulations, Highlands, you knew from the beginning how talented he is...hopefully you can keep getting him back. And keep that Park Fest going to help others.

“While we know historically that transgender and non-binary people have always existed, as we move towards a progressive place where everyones identity is able to be supported and accepted, we’re hearing feedback from parents and students who are non-binary or do not identify with their birth gender. By stating my pronouns, which is a best practice in the modern workplace, I hope to reduce the marginalization of our neighbors and promote an inclusive dialogue.” I’m not critical of this, I just wonder why it‘s so necessary and even this very comprehensive and thoughtful explanation to me by Councilwoman Lori Hohenleitner didn’t help. I had asked her for an explanation because on her name plate at the Atlantic Highlands Council table she has added after her name (she.her) I had only seen that at the recent virtual court trials for the high school’s mock jury teams and understood it there because depending on the school, the roles were played by either boys and girls, and it would help the judge of the virtual mock trial to know whether Jackie or Fran was a girl or boy for the presentation. So when I asked why the two pronouns (why not just say male or female?) I learned from teachers of high school kids that I’m not ‘woke ‘ or enlightened, and if I were, I would have known the reasons. I’m still of the theory “if it walks like a duck, quacks like a duck, then it’s a duck” and not a goose or an eagle. feel the same way about people. I haven’t read the Bible word for word, but I still think God only created two genders and how we treat them, respect them and identify with them is important and necessary and should be respected. But to have to post a specific identification at public meetings seems a bit of an overreach, though I respect the councilwoman’s desire and reasons for doing it. I also particularly respect Lori because she always gets back, answers all my questions, and understands we can like each other without always having to agree on political issues. That’s the healthy approach. On another note, it was such terrific news to hear from Cathy Hartsgrove that she’s well, happy, misses having the Girls Café open….don’t we all???? And just like the rest of us, is eager for indoor dining and warm spring days when the Café can once again open for breakfast, lunch and in between. (I still say Vera makes the best oatmeal anywhere…and tops it with cranberries and nuts at your request!)

Go to one Highlands Council meeting and you have lots to wonder about. Go to several Highlands Council meetings and your wonderment will boggle your mind. Starting with some legalities, how long will the borough attorney sit there and listen to the Mayor announce there is a public hearing, not have a motion, second and vote to open a public hearing, then close the hearing without anything more than the mayor closing the meeting. Then when a vote is taken, how does the clerk know whether it’s to close the public hearing or pass the ordinance on its final reading? Six ordinances had public hearings last night, I wonder if the minutes show motions were made, seconded, and voted on to open and close them? I wonder if I missed hearing separate votes to pass the ordinances on final reading? Then there was the proposed ordinance to vacate a portion of road so the two very fine restaurants on either side of it could have it given to them, at no cost of course, so they would share and share alike for more space for beautification, enjoyments, tables, whatever. That public hearing lasted about an hour, with people with very intense feelings, both for and against, wanting to be heard. That hearing ... not sure if it’s a legal one, mind you … also brought up the question of who would pay for bulkhead repairs, but the mayor and new councilmembers…with only veteran council member Linda Mazzola voted against it…. passed it without bothering to get any kind of written agreement, deed restriction or contract first. That ordinance was introduced because it didn’t get approved last year when it was acted upon by the previous council, so there must be good reason to give away borough property, particularly waterfront borough property. Considering that, it also made me wonder during the public hearing…again, not sure of the legality of it, of yet another ordinance took five minutes, with all the council voting for it. The irony of it is the second one was about other waterfront property the borough does not own. But the borough will now not only pay rent for it but also give free access to the adjacent community center by the owners for their purposes. So if they have really owned that land all these years, and the lease was lost, I wonder if they have been paying taxes on it? But the borough is now going to pay them so borough residents can use it. I wonder if the owners pay taxes on it now? I wonder how many people know that original lease that is misplaced or something showed the houses also being owned jointly. I wonder why there were complaints about the length of the meeting, starting with an executive session at 6:30, and not ending til just after 11. I don’t wonder about why the meetings lasted so long. That’s what happens when you introduce six or seven ordinances and set all their public hearings for the same meeting. Of course, I’m still wondering about the beryllium question. So, the paper street where the owner dumped the soil with the beryllium in it was reportedly cleaned up. But has it really? Has the cleanup site been tested? Has the air or other soil around it been tested? Have any tests been done to see whether after the clean-up any beryllium is still floating around some place? I wonder why Linda Mazzola who certainly seems to listen to the people, has to ask the administrator for information? Shouldn’t she be included in everything that’s shared among council members? I also wonder why Ms Mazzola seems to be the only one who actually listens to people who call her. Happy she asks lots of questions then acts on what she learns. I wonder why someone takes on a volunteer job, then decides it’s too overwhelming to do alone, so it’s better to have the borough pay for someone to help out with it? If it’s too overwhelming, isn’t it better to step away from it and let someone who wants to do the job without costing the taxpayers anything extra do it?

I don’t plan on getting on national politics, nor celebrations nor observances in areas other than the Bayshore of New Jersey which I love, but I am full of wonderment this week. In Holly Springs, Mississippi, where my favorite ghost lives with my favorite son, there was a day-long, outdoor celebration as a tribute to Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. on what would have been his 92nd birthday. Face masks were ‘encouraged” but not requested, let alone mandated. I admire Dr. King and admire so many of the things he did, from the time he was really Michael King, but had his name and birth certificate changed to honor his father. But consider this: A parade in Holly Springs wound around the Marshall County Courthouse, a beautiful square in the middle of the town. That was followed with an outdoor event with music and speakers celebrating King’s birthday and his message. And do you know what? There was a larger than usual turnout by the younger generation. I love that they’re honoring Dr. King in Holly Springs., It’s also the hometown of Ida B. Wells, one of the founders of the NAACP, and there’s a great museum there that honors her. I’m happy they combined the celebratory event with a giveaway of clothing, diapers, and free food to celebrate the Day of Service theme. But isn’t everybody susceptible to Covin-19? I can’t get an after dinner drink in a restaurant in New Jersey after 10 p.m. by executive order because of Covid. Why is it ok in Holly Springs, MS to gather hundreds together for a daylong celebration because it is for a great man? Since I’m still ticked about not being able to have a glass of wine with friends after 10 p.m., I also wonder why tens..sorry….hundreds,… of thousands of people can go to my nation’s capital, my soldiers can sleep on the floors of the Capitol, and so much pomp and circumstance can surround the inauguration of the President without any fear of Covid spreading? I can’t enjoy a glass of wine with four friends but half a million can gather, some with, some without masks, for a ceremony I can only watch on TV anyway. Couldn’t it all have been virtual like council meetings, court cases, board of education business, …just to prevent the spread of the virus? President Johnson was sworn in on an airplane and was a great president in spite of no pomp and circumstance. And another gripe…though I will my all means watch the inauguration of my next President and wish and pray he does an incredible job especially as Commander in Chief….you all know I have military children ….why all of a sudden is Mr. Biden scared to travel on Amtrak? (another great love of mine because of my husband’s 40 years of service to it, including many times engineering the train Mr. Biden took from Delaware to Washington) It was good enough for him to do….on a free pass, mind you…..for the last half century as a Senator of later vice president. Now, all of a sudden, it isn’t safe to take Amtrak from Wilmington to Washington? How about for the rest of the ticket-paying passengers that are on it? Is it safe for them? Has he checked? Does he care? Ok, one more very serious concern. My National Guard. My troops who come under Governor Murphy, as well as so many other troops from all the other states who have been wrenched from their families, uplifted from their paying jobs, forgotten for all the service they have given during Covid and every other crisis in each state and now ordered to go to Washington to provide more protection? Only now, now, after all their service, their dedication, their honor, their allegiance, and their order to go to Washington, they are being vetted? These hometown heroes who have already given so much are being challenged as to whether they are true to their country? I wonder about many things. But I know why my heart is heavy tonight and my prayers more imploring for the safety of my country.