The Mayo Clinic calls cauliflower a Nutrition Superstar for many reasons, but it is its high content of both vitamins C and K that make is especially wonderful in fighting eye disease and blindness.
It is also low in both fat and cholesterol, so it is wonderful for any diet.
Coupled with the versatility it offers in ways to produce it; it’s no wonder cauliflower has been around for 2500 years and recipes especially from Italy and Turkey show how important it has always been in that part of the world.
In the United States, California and Arizona lead in the production of cauliflower but it is available year-round throughout the country.
An unusual way to prepare cauliflower is mashed.
Try this recipe for Mashed Cauliflower.
1 head generally will feed around 4 people.
Cut head into florets,
Recipe:
1 tablespoon olive oil
2 cloves garlic, smashed
¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 tablespoon reduced-fat cream cheese
Salt and freshly ground black pepper as desired. (Or try lemon pepper.)
Bring water to boil in a saucepan with a steamer insert; fill with water just below the bottom of the steamer and bring to a boil; add cauliflower, cover, and steam until tender, about 10 minutes.
Meanwhile, heat olive oil in skillet over medium heat, add garlic, cooking and stirring until softened, for about 2 minutes. Remove from heat.
Transfer 1/2 of cooked cauliflower to a food processor; cover and blend on high. Add remaining cauliflower a little at a time, until vegetables are creamy. Blend in cooked garlic, Parmesan cheese and cream cheese, salt and pepper if desired.
Skin Love Beauty and Body Bar, another new business opening in Atlantic Highlands, will have a ribbon cutting ceremony at 4:30 Friday, November 22 at its location at 20 West Avenue, the intersection of West Highland and West Avenues. Spa
Following the ribbon cutting ceremony, owner CarrieAnn Biendowski has arranged for a Prosecco toast and chef-inspired refreshments while she invites visitors to see her new facility, a totally transformed and transformative environment in the heart of town.
There will be a high-value raffle for a variety of services, and swag bags available for all who attend. Biendowski is also offering the opportunity to purchase gift certificates, so Christmas shopping can also be a part of the celebration.
When the Fighting Irish of Notre Dame come to Yankee Stadium next week for the historic 100th anniversary of the famous game when Notre Dame ‘s Four Horsemen were first named, you can bet Shrewsbury’s Ed Jones will be heading the cheering squad for Notre Dame. His grandfather, Elmer Layden, is one of the Four Horsemen who went down in college football history after trouncing Army 13-7 in their October match up of 1924.
Knute Rockne
Knute Rockne was the coach of the Fighting Irish that is also recognized for owing some debt of gratitude to Army. It was 11 years earlier, in 1913, when Notre Dame’s football team was boycotted by the Big Ten and Army agreed to play the little-known catholic college team. Notre Dame was appreciative, but went on to beat Army 35-13, introducing the forward pass to the sport when Rockne was the receiver as a member of the team.
This year’s game on November 23 marks the third time the Fighting Irish came to New York for the Shamrock Series, beating the Black Knights in 2010 and Syracuse in 2018.
Elmer Layden
But it was that 1924 Army game when Jone’s grandfather, Elmer Layden, along with back fielders Harry Stuhldreher, Don Miller, Jim Crowley, dominated the game and were immortalized by sportswriter Grantland Rice who wrote “Outlined against a blue, gray October sky the Four Horsemen rode again.” A student, who later became sports editor of the Chicago Tribune, posed the four players in uniform and on horses, and the name and quartet went down in history.
Jone’s grandfather went on to earn more accolades for himself, going on to coach at several different colleges after his college football career, then was also head coach and athletic director for his alma mater, Notre Dame.
He was also the first commissioner of the National Football League established in 1940, and as such was the first person to mandate the National Anthem to be played before every National Football League game.
The Jones and Layden families have been honored and recognized at many football games since the Four Horsemen and around the time of each year’s Army Notre Dame match up, there are always newspaper accounts of their beloved grandfather and the pride they have of not only his athletic prowess but also his catholic faith, patriotism and dedication to excellence. It’s a family tradition that continues today.
Four Horsemen Four Horsemen Four Horsemen Four Horsemen Four Horsemen
The Highlands vote on the question asking how the residents feel about a 14 foot wall between them and the river, not surprisingly, showed they certainly don’t like the idea. And the Mayor has said loud and clear she is hearing them and paying attention.
It does make me wonder, though, why the Army Corps of Engineers came up with this solution as the only one they feel, regardless of cost, that will save Highlands from flooding.
That raises more than a few questions to someone who lived in Highlands for more than four decades. Primarily…..exactly what flooding would this 14-foot wall halt? And when has the borough ever experienced that?
What could be the results of such a wall should Highlands ever experience water that high coming from the ocean?
Over the decades, it seems Highlands has done a lot more to encourage flooding and permit flooding through their own thoughtlessness, lack of regulations, lack of maintenance, greed, or so many other reasons other than the ocean.
Think of the primary reasons why Highlands floods.
One is water coming down the hills from Middletown, rushing down to meet rain waters already falling on the lower land.
One is a drainage system that can’t handle it all, particularly when it’s torrential rain.
And one is there has been so much construction in Highlands over the more recent decades that ground that used to absorb and distribute the water beneath the surface has now been covered over with concrete and hard materials that prevent this from happening naturally.
The clammers and all those hardworking and wonderful families who have lived in Highlands for generations knew the land floods and knew they could deal with it. And do. They also know the water doesn’t come over any bulkheads except on very rare occasions. And even then, it wouldn’t take 14 feet to keep it out.
In the 1950s, there was never any water on the streets in the Waterwitch section. Only Hurricane Donna in 1960 brought a couple of feet of water to that section of town.
And that didn’t happen because it came over the bulkhead on Marine Place; it came from a variety of sources, including the beaches and areas not covered by a bulkhead. But for the very few times that happens in a lifetime, is it really necessary to wall off some of the charm of Highlands in its view, its beaches, its waterfront businesses?
Hurricane Sandy brought town wide flooding, but again, because of a variety of reasons, not necessarily the river or ocean dashing up the waterfront properties.
The marina in Waterwitch has created more than its share of problems, the broken piers, the holes in the wall, carelessness. Hopefully that is all going to be taken care of, corrected, and folks on Washington and Huddy will be able to be restored to dry conditions all the time.
This administration is working on more plans to improve Middletown runoff, including that idea of a giant pit in Kavookjian Field. It all seems so much cheaper, more simplified, and less harmful to Highlands than a 14 foot wall.
Highlands voters are wise. Just because the Army Corps thinks a 14 foot wallis the solution, just because the feds are willing to finance a portion of it , but leave the cost of maintaining it up to Highlands, doesn’t make it a good thing, or the right thing.
Think of this. What happens to Sandy Hook if Highlands needs a 14-foot wall to keep out ocean water?
How come the Army Corps isn’t trying to wall off the ocean and the beaches that millions go to every summer at Sandy Hook if it’s so necessary to have a 14 foot wall to protect Highlands?
It is rare, but it has happened, that a portion of Sandy Hook became an island, briefly, as the ocean met the river at the lowest area of Sandy Hook. But even then, a 14 foot wall wouldn’t have kept water from Highlands.
None of these even touches on eminent domain.
Why should the state or federal government have the right to take anyone‘s property because it is their idea, it is the best thing for a town?
What happens to the people’s right to have their say?
Anyone buying a house or business in Highlands knows it floods sometimes; if they’re willing to take the risk and get the mortgage and pay for the insurance, doesn’t that mean anything?
The Mayor has warned the people in her town that there is no doubt, even though she has assured residents she is listening to their plea to save the town from being walled off from the river, it is not the end of it.
With the Army Corps continuing to work on its plans, a future administration come well go along with them, could approve a finished product when the Corps comes back with more detailed ideas, more or less houses or businesses to taken in order to put their plans in place or any other change it designs.
But for now, Highlands can rest easy; they have spoken, the governing body has listened, and Highlands residents can continue to put up with the occasional water in the street, the occasional moving cars or furnishings from moon tides and be grateful that not only have they spoken, but they have actually been listened to.
Now it is up to them to keep alert in the future, keep informed about plans for the borough, and keep using the ballot box to endorse their opinions and let their elected leaders of the future know how they feel about walling off their town from the very thing that gives it its charm
“In my opinion public questions are key to truly hearing what the electorate is thinking and I plan to continue to use them again for other matters in the borough.” Care Less
Those are the words of Highlands Mayor Carolyn Broullon. Every other Mayor and council throughout the state should follow her example.
Highlands Mayor Carolyn Broullon
The Mayor made the statement to newspapers, actually, to anybody who asks, following the overwhelming votes on two issues facing Highlands these days.
The two questions, one on the regionalization with Sea Bright for better, more cost efficient, higher quality education for students in her town, Sea Bright and Atlantic Highlands, and the second on whether the residents want a 14 foot wall which allegedly will stop flooding in the borough some time in the future but which will cost millions to put in place and maintain.
The folks in Highlands voted overwhelmingly on both issues: yes they want regionalization, and no thanks, they don’t want a 14 foot wall to change the esthetics of their town.
What’s more, the Mayor is promising to follow the will of the people…as every mayor should do ” My administration will honor that vote while continuing to work with state and federal agencies to help solve our flooding issues,” she said.
Smart move.
She is telling the people who voted not only is she listening but she’s going to do what they say.
On the other hand, she isn’t going to quit working to resolve flooding problems and isn’t going to turn down other ideas from the state or federal government.
In short, not only is this Mayor listening to her people, she’s also listening to the folks who could provide funds and ideas for something the local people might like.
That regionalization issue has been the talk of all three towns for a few years now. That alone should show the people are interested. The fact that seven out of ten voters went to the polls in Highlands and another huge percentage went to the polls to say yes to the same question in Sea Bright should alert Atlantic Highlands officials to how important this issue is to the people.
The fact that only 360 Highlands voters don’t think regionalization is a good idea while 2150 like it, and on the other hand, 1959 votes said no to that 14 foot wall and 579 said it would be okay is also indicative that Highlands voters not only read and understood the questions, but they took the time to read them again carefully at the polls and cast their ballots thoughtfully.
Atlantic Highlands Mayor Lori Hohenleitner
But it wasn’t on the ballot in Atlantic Highlands.
She did not say it is frivolous for Oceanport or Shore Regional school districts to pour thousands of dollars into trying to take control over what Sea Bright should do.
Nor did she say it is frivolous that Atlantic Highlands has paid not one, but two different lawyers to look into and take stands, without the people’s input, into the question. But asking people in Atlantic Highlands simply to give their opinion on regionalizing with Sea Bright was frivolous, she said.
Yet, Atlantic Highlands did have a question on the ballot, and the voters approved it. Their question was on whether they wanted to pay extra in their taxes to protect open space.
The people answered. Sure, they’ll pay extra and be grateful for the open space. That isn’t frivolous.
But do they want to save on some of those same taxes by having three towns, instead of two, paying for education for their kids? According to the mayor, and apparently the entire council because no one else brought it up either, it’s frivolous to ask the folks for an opinion about that.
Care Less Care Less Care Less Care Less Care Less Care Less Care Less
Seeing all the stores getting supplied with new merchandise and a lot of unusual gift ideas means Christmas is even closer than we think. At a time when the big box stores and Amazon and other online shopping has kept some folk away from local businesses, it’s time to think of the benefits of supporting local businesses, the appeal of being able to see, feel and hold something before purchase, and other perks different local businesses offer.
Bayshore Pharmacy in Atlantic Highlands is one great example of where everyone should stop with their Christmas shopping list. Their merchandise manager is creative, to say the least, and in addition to establishing specific items in specific sections, the variety of unusual purchase items is far reaching.
Whether it is an unusual Christmas ornament…many love the Irish theme and the cardinal on a tree is always a sign of good luck, or Christmas candy or toys, be it family entertainment including a wide variety of puzzles and games, or even some magnificent stoles or other clothing, it makes sense to stop in Bayshore Pharmacy and check it out.
They even offer free gift wrapping, and you even get a choice of wrapping paper. The pharmacy has come a long way from simply being efficient, helpful and prompt with prescriptions, which they also deliver at no charge, it’s obvious the current owner learned well from his dad and those who have made this a popular pharmacy since it first opened.
While you’re at the shopping mall, and if spirits are to your liking, Saltwater Liquors has a great variety of unusual gift items large and small. They feature local breweries as well as both international and local wines, and here again, it’s a staff that is friendly, helpful, and goes the extra mile to be sure the customer is happy.
Salt Water is also a part of the name of the newest restaurant in Highlands as well, and Saltwater Social at 128 Bay Ave offers wonderful dinners, both to enjoy after a day of shopping or as an idea for gift cards. It’s that cozy nook at the second level that makes this restaurant a bit unusual to say nothing of the coordinates on the bar.
Bahrs Restaurant also offers gift certificates, and there, too, has a great little gift shop with plenty of ideas for locals or visitors who want others to remember Highlands and the Bayshore. The town’s oldest still operating business has offered spectacular lunches and dinners for more than a century and their gift certificates are always appreciated.
Stopping in Renaissance on First Avenue in Atlantic Highlands while visiting so many other fine stores on the borough’s main street is sure to have bargains that will entice you particularly if you opt for vintage or artisanal goods. Shopping here also gives you an opportunity to help out the Christian Church which maintains a spectacular booth in Renaissance with plenty of quaint or singular items.
Those of us who live in the Bayshore have great restaurants, beauty salons, coffee shops, variety stores, and other places that offer gift certificates. Our Lady of Perpetual Help St Agnes Church is offering a spectacular Christmas Fest on Dec. 14 from 3 to 8 p.m. with lots of hand made and one-of-a-kind items. Even My Guy Nelson who was honored at the last Atlantic Highlands Council meeting most likely has gift cards that any car owner would appreciate, bit it for an oil change or tires.
Christmas giving should be more than just purchasing something; it should be an opportunity to put thought into a special gift, help a local business or combine it with a gift to a charitable organization. It makes it more special!
With warning signs displayed throughout the state, with cautions on conserving on water and making concerted efforts to prevent fires, the Our Lady of Perpetual Help St Agnes parish has decided to cancel all tree lighting ceremonies and outdoor tree lighting exhibits for this holiday season.
Parish leaders have indicated the need to practice safe decorating ideas at a time when the state has been without rain for more than a month is far more important than outdoor electrical decorations.
Rose Villali, a member of the parish who has led a series of outdoor esthetic improvements at Our Lady of Perpetual Help Church including refurbished statues both in front and behind the church as well as beautification of plants and flowers outside the church, is also holding a Wreath Sale for the holiday season.
Villali just modified her original plans to open the sale with the tree lighting ceremony and a display of the varieties that will be available for sale to cancel the outdoor tree lighting.
Instead, Villali has a unique idea for lighting, absence any natural growth, in an outdoor setting that will draw attention to the sale, which will take place in front of the church facing Route 36.
“I think it is vital for each one of us to obey all the warnings for fire safety,” Villali said, “the state has been without rain for so long, even if it rains for the next couple of days, we should still take extra precautions. Trees and bushes will be dried and more susceptible to even the slightest spark from a tree light wire,” she said, “and all of us should take this into consideration when we’re putting up decorations in front of our homes this season.
Our Lady of Perpetual Help Church wants to set an example and ensure we are doing all we can to prevent fires and help with water conservation. “
The Christmas Wreath Sale will be held at the times of the masses at Our Lady of Perpetual Help Church on Saturday, November 30 at 4pm. and Sunday, December 1, at 9:30 a.m.
My Guy Nelson’s Auto Repair, its owner and master mechanic Nelson Goncalves and his family were honored as the Business of the Month, at the November meeting of the Mayor and Council. Those in attendance, along with the governing body, stood to applaud the popular business which has been at 131 First Ave two years this month.
Goncalves, known for his priority for his family in addition to his dedication to perfection and knowledge as a master mechanic, accepted the certificate from Mayor Lori Hohenleitner, first praising his wife, Amanda and daughters Analis and Nina, for the roles they play in the success of the business. All were present for the presentation.
Amanda is a nurse, and the close-knit family is frequently seen at the mechanic’s garage. The couple’s 10- and 11-year-old daughter’s drawings and artwork are also seen in the garage, as the girls spend time with their father during his workdays and he posts their artwork for the enjoyment of his customers. The business is closed weekends, because as Goncalves says, “that’s devoted to my family. They come first always.”
Residents of Leonardo Goncalves first worked in Plainfield, then in Port Monmouth before moving to Atlantic Highlands. The mechanic put himself through Brookdale Community College while working his way through the ranks from apprentice go master mechanic at Toyota over a 14 year period that began in 2003.
In this borough, My Guy Nelson’s has become a thriving business, earning 53 reviews on Google, all of which gave him five star ratings, as well as numerous personal referrals among neighbors . Most people refer to the hard working mechanic and devoted father as honest, passionate, and basically a “good guy,” or simply “My guy Nelson.”
In accepting the certificate, Goncalves said he was grateful and appreciative of the award, thanked his family for helping him and noted he always “Puts my family first.” He assured the Mayor he would continue to work hard and be an outstanding business for the borough.
Chris Morrisy was honored by the Mayor and Council as the Volunteer of the Month at the November meeting of the governing body.
In presenting the certificate to Morrisy, Mayor Lori Hohenleitner noted his volunteerism to the borough in a variety of areas he has been generous, thoughtful and deeply appreciative.
The singer songwriter has been popular at local events notably the Firemen’s Fair and since so much of his volunteerism involved the arts, she noted Councilman Jon Crowley, who was absent from the meeting, would have liked to be present to recognize both his talent and his volunteerism to the borough.
Morrisy thanked the mayor and governing body for the honor and also thanked Borough Clerk Michele Clark for all she has done to help when needed.
Being invited to be a guest at an Eagle Award ceremony is an honor, and seeing a young man you first met when he was in fourth grade achieve this highest honor in Boy Scouting is an even greater honor.
Edward Joseph Stuart IV…..Eddie to me, was named to the Eagle rank, the highest in Boy Scouting, after working more than 2,000 hours on identifying tools from the 19th century, researching their history, cataloguing them, framing them, and so much more, all for Monmouth County’s Oakley Farm Museum in Freehold Township. He did all this while maintaining his status in honor programs in the Global Studies magnet program at Freehold Township High School where he is a junior.
Samuel Fung, who I do not know but who is as hardworking, intelligent and talented as Eddie, also received his Eagle Award for his exterior work at the same museum creating a drainage ditch to protect foundations and a walkway to enhance the garden. And so much more.
Both young men deserve praise and thanks, which they received at the ceremony and from their local officials. Loved when Freehold Council president Sharon Schutzer explained how important it was to be there for the ceremony.
She recalled an earlier Eagle ceremony she had been invited to that coincided with a wedding where she was also invited. Sharon extended her regrets to her friend the groom, saying the Eagle ceremony took precedence. When he asked why, she calmly told him. ,” anybody can get married, but……… “She was right. Both these young men are now in the 4 per cent of scouts who ever achieve this honor. And she let them know that.
For Eddie to invite me goes back to when he was a little kid in a CCD class I taught at St. Rose of Lima in Freehold. He was always there with the right answer, always there to show me he had done homework I had given out, always well-behaved and attentive in class. For some reason, and unknown to me, he apparently liked my way of teaching and held me in remarkably high esteem. I didn’t see him or several years after I left Freehold, but he corresponded with me, telling me what he was doing, what achievement she had accomplished, simply, very nicely, keeping me up to date on all he was doing.
It wasn’t until he asked me to be his confirmation sponsor a couple of years ago that I realized I truly had had an impact on his life, and it was positive. I had made a difference in a young boy’s religious studies and apparently in his life for him to keep remembering me and honoring me by asking me to be his sponsor. It is a privilege I treasure.
So now to be invited to his Eagle ceremony is more icing on the cake!
It’s Eddie’s wonderful parents who have brought him up to be the tall, handsome, deep-voiced, intelligent and still hardworking young man that was simply a good kid in catechism classes. Eddie honored them as his Eagle ceremony, along with the special people whom he also admired, appreciated, and thanked for helping him in scouting.
His parents have every right to be so proud of Edward Joseph Stuart IV…..I just feel proud that I know him. And he’s promised to continue to keep me informed of all his accomplishments! I can’t wait to hear the next one
