Local residents and council members were eager to share great reports at last night’s meeting of the Mayor and Council, all proving that the borough is indeed a close knit community where people really care for one another.
It started when council unanimously declared November Native Americans month, honoring the first settlers in the Bayshore, members of the Lenni Lenape tribe, and other Native Americans who worked together and formed communities where we now have Atlantic Highlands. The proclamation also praised Native Americans both past and present for their contributions to the nation, and promotes self-determination, trust and treaty responsibilities to tribal nations.
Councilman James Murphy then informally told of a recent incident involving First Aid Squad President Lance Hubeny when he encountered an elderly woman walking along Ocean Blvd. late one evening and concerned for her welfare, stopped to investigate further. It appears the woman was disoriented, was not attired for the cold weather and could not find her way to her own residence. He contacted the police, an investigation and conversation ensued, and the woman was brought safely to her home without any serious effects or further trauma for her. Murphy said Hubery’s swift actions and concern may well have averted a serious situation and urged all residents that when they see something that appears unusual or untoward, they should take action of some kind, such as notifying police, to avoid serious or dangerous situations.
Councilwoman Lori Hohenleitner relayed an incident she observed recently as well, drawing more praise to the police department for their action when a vehicle on Grand Avenue whose driver apparently recognized some vehicular malfunction and the vehicle ended off the road. She praised not only the Public Works Department whose curbing prevented a more serious problem as well as a local landscaping company who was on scene and helped the driver get the car moved and the incident secured with no injuries or further damage.
Praise of the Public Works Department and its chairman James Phillips came up once again when Councilman Brian Boms praised the department for its road cleaning and leaf cleaning efforts, and urged, as did both the Public Works Department and the Police Department, residents to keep catch basis near their homes clear. Boms, newly recognized as a volunteer fireman though he has been active for some time prior to last night’s meeting, also reminded motorists not to park their vehicles over piles of leaves because of possible fires.
Another resident praised the Public Works Department, noting their cooperation with the Green Team setting up a place in the Recycling yard for pumpkin recycling, noting undamaged pumpkins used during the holidays can be brought to the recycling yard for further distribution to the New Life Farm where pigs quartered there not only eat pumpkin but use them in play. The Green Team has also established and promoted other uses for pumpkins in any condition including as bird feeders.
Eileen Cusick, who take take office as a Councilwoman in January after winning election earlier this month, also inquired about health grants Ferragina mentioned during the meeting, and already indicated her interest in working with the administrator on the best use for the grants.
