When Lupe Aragon knew she had to find a job to help supplement the family income while raising her two daughters, she looked for a job doing what she knew how to do best….cleaning.
And now this diminutive hardworking little ball of fire is busy on several levels; both working for a company that offers outstanding housekeeping and cleaning services as well as branching out on her own to give her more income.
A resident of Long Branch, Lupita came to the United States from Mexico 14 years ago, when her daughters were seven and 14 years of age. Married, but when the family still needed more income, she leaned on the lessons she had learned at home.
With two brothers and three sisters, Lupita’s mom taught all of them the value of hard work and of doing things correctly. So all her housecleaning skills, her dusting into the nooks and crannies, her spotless scrubbing of floors and polishing mirrors and windows are with the finesse and dedication she learned from her own mother.
In her new business, Star Cleaning Services, Lupita offers cleaning for both residential and commercial buildings, everything from apartments to estates, from one room to multi room offices. She travels throughout Monmouth County for her customers and accepts positions either for a one-time cleaning or on a regular weekly or monthly basis.
For further information or estimates, which range from $100 and up, depending on the size of the job, call 732-308-8633.
Francis Hopkinson With the nation gearing up to celebrate the 250th anniversary of the founding of the United States, and Monmouth County government leading the way with each of its towns joining in Monmouth250 highlighting the importance of this county during the American Revolution and the early years of the new nation, VeniVidiScripto begins a series of stories leading up to 2026 highlighting some of the historic persons, places and events that highlight what has transpired through the two and a half centuries of New Jersey life.
Included in the series will be stories about each of the five signers of the Declaration of Independence who represented New Jersey at the Continental Congress and put their lives on the line when opposing King George III and the heritage most of the Signers shared with the Mother Country.
Francis Hopkinson: NJ Signer of the Declaration
While it was the most significant and historical action this Philadelphia born signer took, putting his name at the bottom of the Declaration of Independence as a representative of New Jersey is not the only event which makes Francis Hopkinson, one of the five New Jersey Signers, stand out in history.
He is also recognized for his achievements in art, music, music composition, judiciary, Naval operations, music, musical composition, education and his church.
There is a faction of historians who are also convinced he was the earliest designer of the flag of the United States.
Born Oct. 2, 1737, in Philadelphia, Hopkinson was the son of Thomas and Mary Johnson Hopkinson, and was educated in Philadelphia schools, the first to be enrolled at the College of Philadelphia, later the University of Pennsylvania. He graduated in 1757, studied law and launched a successful practice in New Jersey.
He met and married Ann Borden daughter of Joseph Borden, a wealthy businessman for whom Bordentown was named, and who later became a colonel in the Army during the Revolution.
While practicing law in New Jersey, Hopkinson was secretary of a commission that finalized the treaty between Native Americans and Pennsylvania and also served as customs collector in Salem, New Jersey.
After signing the Declaration of Independence as a member of the Continental Congress, Hopkinson continued to serve in government, as a judge of the admiralty court for Pennsylvania, later and until the time of his death as U.S. district judge for eastern Pennsylvania.
An ardent backer of the Constitution, he was a member of the convention that approved it and he authored several effective articles that contributed to its ratification by Pennsylvania.
But the lawyer was also an accomplished harpsichord player and composed a number of musical pieces for both religious and secular styles. He invented the bellarmonic, an instrument that used the tones of metal balls to make music.
He wrote poetry and literary essays and had a sense of humor and satire evident in his written work. A staunch proponent of independence from England, his ridicule of the British and Loyalists during the Resolution was inspiring to the patriots.
He wrote a song, “The Battle of the Kegs,” about the action idea of Bordentown residents when they sent floating mines downriver toward Philadelphia with the hope of sinking British ships and the British spent hours shooting at anything they saw in the water. Though the Bordentown mission failed, Hopkinson’s song continued to lighten the spirit of the patriots with its mockery of the enemy.
Hopkinson was also recognized as an artist during his lifetime. and designed the seal for the state of New Jersey as well as the American Philosophical Society.
There is strong evidence he also designed the American flag, a belief many historians recognize as authentic today. He was also a consultant for the design of the Great Seal of the United States.
Hopkinson was Chairman of the Navy Board in Philadelphia for two years after the signing of the Declaration. He was named to the Admiralty Court of Pennsylvania in 1779, and shortly thereafter, while in that position, he was impeached and charged with accepting payments and bribes for appointments as well as trading false certificates. However, he was acquitted of all charges at his impeachment trial and continued to serve in that office for another nine years.
In 1787, he was also a member of the Pennsylvania Convention that ratified the United States Constitution.
He was named to the US District Court by President George Washington in 1789, a new seat under the new form of government.
One of Hopkinson’s five children, Joseph, later also became a federal judge and a US Congressman.
Francis Hopkinson died May 9, 1791, of a sudden apoplectic seizure and is buried in Christ Church Burial Ground in Philadelphia, one of five Signers of the Declaration, including Benjamin Franklin, who are buried there.
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The HEAT IS ON as contestants prepare for the Highlands Business Partnership’s 13th Annual Chili Cook-Off Sunday, February 23, from 3 to 7 pm at Saltwater Social, 128 Bay Avenue. Chili in Highlands
Eight of Highland’s best-known chili chefs will put their recipes to the test at this hot competition. The Partnerhsip invites all to enjoy samples of delicious chili while washing it down with plenty of beer.
Tickets are $40 and include 20 chili samplings, two beers, and a chance to vote for your favorite chili.
Once the chili lovers have tasted all the chili, they will vote for their favorite and drop their ballot in the ballot box. Results will be tallied, and winners announced at approximately 6:30 pm. Trophies will be awarded to the winners.
In addition to the People’s Choice award, St. Patricks Parade Grand Marshal Timothy G. Hill will be among the panel of five independent judges for another contest.
The Middlesex County Police and Fire Pipes & Drums and Daly’s Irish Dancers will be there to entertain the crowd. All proceeds of the Chili Cook-Off benefit the 20th Annual Highlands St. Patrick’s Day Parade, which will take place on Saturday, March 22 at 2 pm.
The Highlands Business Partnership is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization. Programs and events are made possible by sponsors including, Monmouth County Tourism, Bahrs Landing, Bridge Marina, Dovetail Vintage Rentals, Farmacie by the French Market, Gateway Marina, Hufnagel Tree Service, In the Garden, Montecalvo/Bayshore Family of Companies, Off the Hook, Proving Ground, Sandbox at Seastreak Ferry, Seafarer, Valley Bank, and WRAT, 95. Y
Tickets can be purchased in advance or register to compete in the Chili Cook-Off by visiting www.highhlandsnj.com or calling (732) 291-4713.
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Assemblyman Gerard Scharfenberger, and DAR members Catherine Dudley, Regent Michele Donnelly, Kim Best and Kristen Sussman presented Muriel Smith with their citation for Women in History.
The Breakfast was the regular monthly breakfast the Knights and the Columbiettes prepare and serve for local residents held at Our Lady of Perpetual Help gym, Miller Street.
This is only the second Women in History presentation the Middletown DAR has made.
The chapter, which was organized in 2022, made its first presentation to Monmouth County Freeholder Lillian G. Burry.
Women selected for the DAR honor are chosen by the chapter from among those whose accomplishments they know personally and whom the chapter feels make outstanding contributions that are also recognized in the Monmouth County community.
In making the presentation to Smith, Donnelly cited the years she served on the Monmouth County Historical Commission, her memberships in several historical societies, her work at NSW Earle, her public relations work with the Monmouth County Library, the five books she has written, most of on Monmouth County history, and her volunteerism in legislative, judiciary and nursing care areas as well as her work within her parish. Smith also has a blog, VeniVidiScripto.com where she writes stories of municipal interest as well as health, military and local history.
Mayor Broullon spoke on the recipient’s love for Highlands, where she had raised her family and served in various capacities there, and Assemblyman Scharfenberger spoke of her years as a journalist with several local daily and weekly newspapers as well as as editor of The Courier in Middletown.
Smith’s name and biography will now be included in the DAR list of recipients from throughout New Jersey.
With 41 members, the Middletown chapter meets bimonthly at the VFW Post 2179 home in Middletown. Current officers working with Regent Donnelly are Vice Regent Kim Best, treasurer. Gail Bozza, Secretary Helene Henkel and registrar Maureen Foster.
Their mission is Historic Preservation, Education and Patriotism.
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There was enthusiasm, provocative thinking, new ideas and lots of energy at the Highlands borough council meeting this week as people from a variety of walks of life gave input into the possibility of an active museum and educational opportunity at the Baymen’s clam Deputation Plant on Fifth Street.
Highlands Mayor Carolyn Broullon
Mayor Carolyn Broullon had invited the public to attend the meeting and have input during a special open session of the meeting to hear ideas for future plans and for the concept design at the plant. Input was sought after the borough received a New Jersey Asset Activation Planning Grant award for both the concept and a feasibility study
The mayor led the discussion before local residents, and representatives of Rutgers University, labs at Sandy Hook, historians and working clammers, by first giving a brief history of the clamming industry, its impact on the borough, and its importance throughout the Bayshore and in Highlands in particular.
She gave a brief synopsis of the purification process which takes place at the Fifth St facility, going through the 48-to-72-hour process clams go through during the purification process, as well as the reason why depuration is necessary.
Interacting with the attendees, the mayor recorded their reasons why museums are important to them, how they impact their lives, and what are the most significant features of a museum of any type that leave them with lasting impressions and more knowledge.
When she asked for ideas of what should be in a clam museum, residents cited everything from the importance of the industry, the local history dating to the Lenni Lenape and the process of purification itself to areas where the process can be used in action, educational materials, videos and a touch tank.
To the question of what benefits can be derived from a clam museum, residents opined the educational values of it coupled with the impact it would have on tourism and other local businesses, coordination for visitors with other interesting sites or neighborhoods for day or long term visits, as well as instilling ride in the community itself and the residents who make their living on the water. Residents spoke on expanding the benefits of a museum by offering ideas on how to prepare clams for eating, how to use the shells in a variety of projects and how to incorporate art, history and language classes in a program of activities associated with a museum.
Caleb Dean, a Belford resident and second generation clammer, praised the mayor for the workshop and opportunity to express ideas about a museum at the clam plant. He requested, and the Mayor immediately concurred, that the role of the late former Mayor James T. White be made an important part of information on clamming and industry. White, who was also a sixth grade teacher at the Highlands Elementary School, was a long time clammer and the shellman most responsible for bringing the depuration plant to reality in the 1970s.
Dean responded o questions about the importance of deputation and why the Fifth Street facility is vital to the industry along Raritan Bay. First learning to clam from his father, William Dean, Caleb now has his own boat and has been clamming on his own for four years, bringing both Deans on the water and making their living.
Broullon indicated she has several more weeks before the responses to this study for a clam museum are forwarded to finalize this portion of the grant application, and invites anyone else with ideas for inclusion in a museum as well as the benefits of a museum in the borough to forward them to her or contact the municipal office for further information
He was an auto mechanic by profession and ran his own successful business in New Brunswick for 45 years. But Mike Roth’s real love is working with wood, and he accomplishes that with perfection, creativity and a sheer desire to make others happy. Numbers Guy
The Highlands resident not only builds everything from miniature sea creatures for decorative purposes to massive full-length bookcases and mantelpieces, but he does it all with recycled wood he gets wherever it’s available. That includes pallets from shipping containers to picket fences damaged in storms and put out to trash.
Roth and his wife, Mary Anne, moved to Highlands before Superstorm Sandy when they fell in love with a little house across from the Highlands Marina. But with his mind bent on perfection and his energy and diligence, willing and able, Mike took the house apart, saving what he could from windows to shingles, and rebuilt a two-story home on the site, grateful for the driveway and garage as well.
He also decided the house would be more enhanced by being higher, so he raised the house, affording a full basement underneath and a better view of the marina and the Shrewsbury River to the east.
Six weeks after moving into the finished home, Hurricane Sandy hit and the Roths were owners of one of the very few houses in the Waterwitch section of the borough that survived the eight feet of water that created so many problems for so many residents.
Mike’s wife always loved the location, the marina and the sea area in which they lived, and it was her idea to have their house number posted on one of Mike’s wood cuttings, a lobster.
They called their home their Cottage by the Sea and she also thought how nice it would be if Mike could make a variety of street number signs for all the neighbors, keeping the nautical theme.
After Mary Anne passed away a week before Christmas two years ago, Mike kept thinking of his wife’s idea and decided to make and present the themed décor for his neighbors, in her memory. He also made other small nautical themed wooden species for décor, all of which can be seen traveling through the Waterwitch area.
At the same time, the mechanic turned woodworker continued to respond to requests for larger and more intricate types of design.
When someone commissioned him to make bookcases, he did it.
When a local shopkeeper wanted to cover up the electrical panel on the wall of the shop, he boxed it in, then took a pair of old shutters and converted them, hardware and all, into attractive covers.
When his daughter wanted her bookcases to include a wine rack, he designed something unique so it wouldn’t all look the same. He went everywhere, picking up scrap wood put out for trash, getting those pallets from local stores after deliveries were made, and hauling it all home to scrub, clean, sand, split apart, stain, and become that new bookcase or kitchen cabinet, or decorative house address number.
It’s Mike’s dedication to perfection that makes his work so much in demand. With no formal education in woodworking, electrical, plumbing or construction work, Mike traces his ability to learn back to his childhood when as a youngster growing up in Robbinsville, he worked along his dad on the farm, making repairs and in general doing everything “because it had to be done, so you learned how to do it. It’s that simple.”
He isn’t sure where his passion for wood came about, or why, but he recalls he’s always had an affinity for trees and what they represent about life, living, and natural beauty.
Being able to take solid pieces of wood that have already had life as parts of trees, then as pieces of furniture, items of interest or houses and give them yet another life of bringing beauty gives Mike a feeling of contentment and achievement.
Some of Mike’s challenges have been unique, all of them have been fun, he said. There was the New York designer who wanted a floating entertainment center. He was able to build that, then, because there were so many electrical wires needed with it, he designed a false back so they could remain hidden. Then he attached it with magnets so it would be easy to access them whenever necessary.
He used roof rafters to create a magnificent tabletop, windows from old doors to create attractive transoms, the list goes on.
Mike also works with tile and has done several bath showers complete with rain showers as well as the standard side and spa showers; he converted a Jacuzzi into a soaker tub complete with tv for a client in need of a relaxation spot, and he is proud of the palette wood he was able to secure from Fort Hancock that was being tossed out and he salvaged as a reminder of its service during World War II.
Much of the wood holds memories for local residents, since it comes from places including the former Clam Hut on Atlantic Street, or other businesses in town. He has taken pieces of all sizes and designed everything from drink coasters to mantle pieces.
He designs his address number artwork in all sizes, in shapes of nautical life from turtles and horseshoe crabs to seahorses and scallop shells.
There was a recent request where the purchaser wanted a gift in a nautical theme that would memorialize a number of events in the life of the recipient.
Mike listened to the story, then designed an enlarged street number sign to be posted in the front yard of the home. The Sea Horse was requested since the recipient was a Navy diver, the school of fish to recall her years of teaching, a piece of Jersey sea glass to represent her home state, an anchor and Navy emblem nestled in the coral signifying years in the Navy and even a piece of coral resembling a cloud in the sky, representing the recipient’s son who is a helicopter pilot for the Navy.
The coral from Hawaii represents where the couple met, and a clown fish sitting on anemone to represent the importance of interaction and friendship and cooperation among all. And the entire artwork was then created out of wood from around Highlands, where the recipient grew up and learned her love for the sea.
Prices for Mike’s artistry vary by size, intricacy, and the amount of time it takes to create each piece. They start at around $125, and since they are created from salvaged wood, each is distinctly individual and cannot be duplicated.
Anyone interested in having this artist in wood and master in tile create something special, be it a wall of bookcases, a miniature address sign or something in between can contact Mike at 609-638-6673.
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The Eastern Monmouth Area Chamber of Commerce (EMACC) announced its honorees for the Annual Spinnaker Awards 2025 citing Susan Doctorian Kyrillos as the Volunteer of the Year.
Now in its thirty-third year, the Spinnaker Awards honors those businesses and individuals who give of themselves to make life better for everyone in eastern Monmouth County.
“The Spinnaker Awards Dinner is our Chamber’s premier event, celebrating the achievements of those who make our community extraordinary” said EMACC Chairwoman Marie Noglows of Corcoran Baer & McIntosh. “I’m excited to personally congratulate this year’s winners and connect with other business leaders in our area.”
In addition to Ms. Kyrillos, who will be honored for going above and beyond with service and dedication to the community, the Chamber is also honoring The Stone Pony in the Arts and Culture field for its support and cultivation of an appreciation of Arts in the community; Eatontown MayorAnthony Talerico, Jr. for Public Service, in recognition of his being a source of pride to the citizens he serves and being consistent with the high principles of the chamber for all who hold a public charge.
The Community Service Award will be presented to SERVPRO of Eatontown/Long Branch, a water damage repair and restoration company for a business of fewer than 50 employees that shows dedication to the good of the eastern Monmouth community by leadership and spirit in support of our quality of life. The award for Corporate Good Neighbor, for a business with more than 50 employees, will be presented to Nissan City of Red Bank for motivating employees to be personally involved as good Samaritans to people in need making Eastern Monmouth a better place to live.
The Axelrod Performing Arts Center is being honored with the Non-Profit Organization of the Year for providing quality and consistent programs and services to the community.
Earth Treasures, the well known jewelry store in Eatontown, will be honored for being an active business in the community for more than 50 years , and finding the key to success in remaining a solid business for more than half a century.
Benjamin Carbonella of Richmond Wealth Management in Red Bankwill be recognized as EMACC’s Next Generation Leader to honor an EMACC member who recognizes the benefits of chamber membership and involvement in starting and growing a professional career.
The Special Award for Economic Improvement will be presented to FMERA – Fort Monmouth Economic Revitalization Authority , in recognition of the redevelopment efforts at Fort Monmouth designed to achieve an integrated business and residential community to the betterment of the towns of Eatontown, Oceanport, Tinton Falls, and the County of Monmouth as a whole.
The Spinnaker Awards Dinner will be held March 26 at Tillinghouse at Sun Eagles, Eatontown. Tickets for the event are available by contacting EMACC.org.
To learn more, call the Chamber at 732-741-0055 or visitwww.emacc.org
It is the least circulated of most of all the US currencies and some people even wonder whether it’s real. 2 Dollar Bill
But the United States two dollar bill is not only real and costs less to produce than a dollar bill, but it’s got a fascinating history dating to when it first saw life in 1862.
That was when the $2 bill was issued as a legal tender note and a profile portrait of Alexander Hamilton, the first treasurer of the United States was on the bill. That only lasted for seven years until the US Note was redesigned in 1869 and Thomas Jefferson replaced Hamilton.
Sure, it’s had its ups and downs since then, But the bill was in circulation for just over 100 years before the Treasury Department discontinued its production of the United States note and did not for some reason designate and issue it as a Federal Reserve note, like it did with the $5 bill.
So the bill that bears the image on Thomas Jefferson, third President of the United States on the front, and an engraving of John Trumbull’s Declaration of Independence on the reverse honoring Mr. Jefferson’s writing of the manuscript whose 250th anniversary we celebrate next year, while still printed and in circulation, isn’t very popular any more.
It was an act of Congress in 1862 that created the bill and at the time it was really a large-sized note. But in 1928, currency was redesigned and reduced to the size we know now. But the $2 bill remained a US Note rather than a federal reserve note. It remained that way until 1966 when US Notes were phased out and the $2 denomination was discontinued.
It was revived in 1976 and once again issued, this time as a Federal Reserve Note. The Treasury Secretary reissued the $2 note and made them available at banks on April 13, Jefferson’s birthday. They had some more minor changes and issued as a federal reserve note, still with Jefferson on the front, but the Trumbull painting of the Declaration signing replacing Monticello.
The $2 bill for whatever reason circulated less than ones or fives, so the Treasury printed fewer. That led to the legend that the bills would be collector’s items and worth more, so hoarders kept them, reducing their circulation even more. Because they were so rarely seen, merchants often questioned them, thinking they may not be real, so they sunk deeper into obscurity.
Had the bills been more popular, it would have saved the Treasury some money. It costs a little over six cents to print a $2 bill, the same amount that it costs to print a $1 bill, but since it’s worth twice the amount, printing it comes out less expensive.
The history of this bill remains a bit quirky. During the Depression, many people didn’t have much money, so $2 bills were not as popular as ones. Then they became popular in later years for placing those two-dollar bets at racetracks, or tips at strip clubs. There are legends that circulated saying a $2 bill to politicians was a comfortable bribe during the Depression.
Because military members were frequently paid with $2 bills, during and after World War II they began showing up in plenty at USO clubs, post exchanges canteens and commissaries; tourism and convention bureaus, recognizing the bills were not in profuse circulation, encouraged their tourists and attendees to use them, to show the impact the tourists or convention-goers had on the local economy. There were campaigns to encourage people to participate in a hunt for the bills to win prizes and bring more attention to them.
The bill, in spite of its limited usage, also underwent several minor changes over the years, in some numbers, a few words, some colors of ink and creating the treasury seal small and moving it to the other side of the bill. Among the changes made in 1963 was adding IN GOD WE TRUST to the reverse side of the bill visible over Monticello.
Since 1995, all $2 notes have been produced at the Western Currency Facility in Fort Worth, Texas. In 2004, some of the 2003 bills were printed for the Federal Reserve District of Minneapolis.
In 2013, Series 2013 $2 notes were printed for the Federal Reserve Bank of Atlanta and began circulation the following year. Series 2017A $2 notes were first issued to banks in December 2019 and are still among the ones in active use today.
Front Yards Local resident Clare Gallagher made an earnest request of the Mayor and Council at this week’s meeting of the Atlantic Highlands governing body, offering solutions as well. But she received no assurance from the governing body that her complaint or suggestions would get any attention once the meeting was over.
Mrs. Gallagher explained during the public portion she lives on Center Avenue “on the corner lot,” she added, saying that was important.
After purchasing a $17,000 generator because of frequent outages in the area, she was denied a permit for its installation on the side of her house, she explained. That is because borough ordinances describe any lot that faces a street is considered a front yard, and generators are not permitted in front yards.
As a result, the resident is required to seek a variance for the installation, a requirement that mandates another more than $500 in costs for permits and applications, as well as first class mail notification to all her neighbors within the ordinance stipulated area of the date when her variance application would be heard before the Planning Board.
After pleading her case, stressing she is doing it for the future and is proceeding with her own costly variance application to the planning board, the resident offered several suggestions to make it easier and more economical in the future for anyone else wanting to have a generator installed.
Simply put, Mrs. Gallagher asked that borough ordinances be amended to describe all properties as having one single front yard, regardless of whether the side or rear of the property also faces a street. She also suggested that the ordinance that prohibits buildings or structures in front yards be amended to eliminate generators from the list of structures not permitted.
While the borough cannot control how many power outages residents may experience, the governing body can control the means of making it easier and cheaper for residents who feel they need generators. She suggested that should permits be required, at least the procedures should be amended, so it will not be necessary for a resident to undertake all the paperwork and assume all the costs presently required for variances of this nature. She pointed out she has incurred costs for the installation of a generator comparable to what it would cost her seeking a permit to put an extension on her house.
While council members appeared to agree with her concerns and sympathized with her complaint, Mayor Lori Hohenleitner did not indicate to Mrs. Gallagher whether the matter would be considered or turned over to committee or professionals for further study.
It was February, 1966 when Allen H. Frenchman was elected to the Atlantic Highlands Board of Education and he wanted everyone to know his plans as an active member. Used to Be
According to the Atlantic Highlands Journal, the weekly newspaper active in the borough, Frenchmen had a letter printed in the paper immediately following his election and putting the public on notice he was elected to represent the people “and that is exactly what I intend to do,” he wrote. Not only that, he continued, but he would do that “aggressively and equitably.” Then he told the public “if it is important to you, then it is important to me.” He said he was assuming the position to “represent you, your child and your tax dollar.”
Frenchman concluded his letter with an invitation for all to contact him for anything he could do or anything they wanted to know.
