With all this crazy, insane stuff and waste of time and money that is going on with the whole regionalization thing, let’s not forget some of the great things that are happening in Highlands and Atlantic Highlands these days. From Prayers on the Porch, the Police, events at the senior center and the library … these are just some of the things that make me happy
The Prayers on the Porch that was started by Mayor Loretta Gluckstein, not as an elected official, just as a caring friend and neighbor, and a few other prayerful people two years ago celebrated its second anniversary Tuesday night once again at that beautiful grass front on Ocean blvd. with many folks both new to the informal program as well as those who have attended from the beginning joining in prayer for continued success and so many other things. These people of all religions are showing how important prayer is, no matter what religion, and it is inspiring to see all draw together to shower praise on neighbors, thanksgiving for leadership and hope for the future of the borough, the state, and the nation, as well as the world. The group was especially mindful of mothers this Mothers Day weekend, be they young, afraid, scared, worried, older, ignored or loved, moms of deceased loved children, or every other woman who wishes to become a mom. I was particularly grateful for prayers for grandmas as well, and two generations of women who have offspring in the military. The next prayers on the porch will be June 6, another time we are sorely in need of prayer…..But all are invited.. prayers never heard anyone. This makes me happy
Also to be congratulated are all the great folks who put together the program at the Seniors Center Tuesday. Combine the talents of great men like Roy Dellosso, Gene Hennefy and Tommy Stone, couple them with the organization and support of the Monmouth County Sheriff’s office and the county office for the elderly and military, who put together the program, issued the evacuation care bags and brought employees to help explain and fill out the necessary paperwork, and you get the feeling the folks of Atlantic Highlands will be secure and protected should any emergency arrive. The bags with all the necessities for an emergent move or evacuation for everyone who attended the initial session at the Seniors Center are great. The staff and volunteers made sure information would be available for those seniors who are too infirm nor incapable of attending to be sure they would also be registered for special care in the event of an emergency. Great to see Councilwoman Eileen Cusick right in there asking all the necessary questions to be sure her seniors are taken care of. This makes me happy.
Also great to know the local Police will be keeping tabs on Ocean Boulevard. Arriving at the Prayers on the Porch on Ocean Boulevard just at the same time one of Sea Streaks boats was letting off its dozens of passengers, it was a shock to realize just how busy Ocean Boulevard to Grand Ave has become, and how so many of those commuter motorists are simply tearing up Ocean to hit Grand and move on to other destinations with no care for this borough’s residents . Feel certain the AH Police are keeping tabs on speeds, and careful driving, but surprised at the increase of traffic along the road. I can remember only a few months ago when folks complained about expanding parking for a few cars on the boulevard because it is a Scenic Drive, but are now experiencing city-like traffic at commuter hours tearing through their streets. Heck, parking along Ocean Boulevard would have been so much nicer, easier, quieter, and a salvation for some serious parking problems in town.
Love the programs offered for youngsters of all ages at the Atlantic Highlands library where such a variety is offered on a regular basis. Love using local talent to present them as well. Next Thursday’s visit (May 18) by the owner of Feed and Seed in Highlands, who also happens to the Highlands Mayor, Carolyn Broullon, will give kids some great ideas on their responsibilities as pet owners,. The mayor will give some tips on how to care for pets, regardless of whether they’re fish, hamsters, birds of dogs, and remind the kids there are specific responsibilities involved with pet ownership, something every parent will love having his youngster learn. That is the 3:15 program on May 18, and the following week at the same time, May 25, it will be veteran Bill Pointon talking about what it’s like to the in the US Coast Guard. This makes me happy
Also love that 34th annual PBA Ball coming up at the Shore Casino May 26. Understand tickets are going fast, and the women putting together all those great auction ideas are outdoing themselves this year, thanks to their ingenuity and the generosity of local businesses and families. It’s not too late to donate your own auction item either. Call Judy Grasso at 732-539-2613 for information or drop gift donations off at her home on E. Highlands Avenue. Heck, they’d even have someone pick it up if you’d prefer.
Wonderful to see proceeds from the Ball will benefit the Police Explorers Post, which has come a long way since it was first started and is a terrific program for teens. This makes me happy
And in spite of all the road closing going on and planning to be continuing in Highlands, it’s worth the trip just to see how gorgeous The Girls Café looks for its summer season. Mikey has outdone himself this year in creating the outdoor dining space, and the Girls tell me there’s extra help coming in this week to be sure of quick service when all those tables are filled with happy diners. Looks like even the plants and flowers love the Girls Café.
