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Commander USS New Jersey at MAST

By
Muriel J. Smith
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Commander

Commander Steven Halle, the commanding officer of the USS New Jersey (SSN 796) and five Sailors serving on the submarine addressed students at MAST, the Marine Academy of Science and Technology today, thanking them for their support of the new Virginia class boat, the USS New Jersey.

Commander Halle presented Commander Tracie M. Smith-Yeoman, USN (Ret.), the Senior Naval Science Instructor at MAST, with a plaque recognizing the NJROTC cadets at MAST as honorary plank owners of the submarine.


A plank owner is someone who is a member of the crew of a Naval ship when the ship is first placed into commission.

The term comes from the tradition of a crew member taking a plank from the ship’s deck as a keepsake when it was decommissioned, and implies that the plank owner becomes part owner of the ship.

  Commander Halle said MAST deserved the honor since he believes the NJROTC unit adopted the vessel long before its commissioning ceremony and has always been staunch supporters of the vessel and its crew.

MAST students participated in the christening ceremony for the New Jersey when it was under construction in Newport News, Va. three years ago and have hosted members of the crew for visits with the cadets several times since.

  Commander Halle also noted while the current crew on the new vessel are plank owners, because of the commission set for Saturday, September 14, he also designated the original crew as honorary plank owners since that earlier crew served on the ship during much of its construction and it was anticipated the ship would be commissioned last April.

The ship changed command last December, when Commander Halle assumed command from Commander Jared Smith.

The MAST NJROTC unit formally greeted Commander Halle with a welcoming ceremony in which he made the presentation to Commander Smith-Yeoman, thanked the cadets for their enthusiastic welcome and support, and presented several awards.

MAST NJROTC Battalion Commander Thomas Clark of Little Silver presented Commander Halle with a check for $3000 that the cadets raised, with hopes that the crew would be able to have a party or purchase morale items that would help them relax during their downtime.

  Commander Halle, who shouted out a loud “WOW!” when Drill Commander Vivian Moore of Holmdel and Assistant Drill Commander Andrew Viggiano of Ocean performed exhibition drill at the morning ceremony, presented each with a commemorative coin of the submarine New Jersey.

Commander

He praised their outstanding precision and perfection in performing the trick maneuvers, which included spinning and simultaneously tossing their rifles to each other.

  Commander Halle also presented Cadet Russell Karshmer with a ship’s coin, as well as the commemorative coin struck from Karshmer’s winning artwork in a statewide contest held last year.

Cadet Karshmer, son of Mr. and Mrs. Gary Karshmer of Highlands, designed the coin to include a view of the sub from Mount Mitchill, and included representations of the state’s colors, bird, tree, flower, the trident-shaped pier at NWS Earle where the submarine will be commissioned, as well as historic Fort Hancock and the Sandy Hook Lighthouse. The coin also recognizes the new submarine as the third Naval vessel honoring the state of New Jersey.

coin

Following the ceremony, crew members and Commander Halle met with upperclassmen at MAST to speak with them about their experiences and duties as members of the crew.

Students were also invited for a tour of the submarine at NWS Earle pier in Leonardo.

 

Mass Celebrated With Seniors

By
Muriel J. Smith
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Mass

Residents of Ptak Tower in Highlands welcomed Father Thomas, the pastoral assistant at Our Lady of Perpetual Help -St. Agnes parish Friday when the priest offered Mass at the senior citizens complex on Shore Drive.

The priest, who came to the parish two months ago to serve with the pastor, the Reverend Jarlath Quinn, Father offered mass in the building community room, then stayed for breakfast which management of Ptak Tower had arranged for the morning.

Pictured are one of the residents, Karen Jackson, and Clyde Elphick who welcomed Father as a fellow member of the Knights of Columbus.

3 Young Men

By
Muriel J. Smith
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Young Men

Three young men kept me happy today. In fact, these three young men keep me happy many days.

Frank, Charlie and John are Highlands young men who often come into the Girls Café in Highlands on a Sunday morning. Frank and John are 12-year-old twins, both with his own good looks and independent personality. Charley is a very mature 13-year-old.

The trio makes you realize and appreciate there are very polite, courteous, happy and very mature young people living in Highlands who give you confidence that the future is truly in good hands.

Frank and Charley have been in a few times with other of their friends as well; this was John’s first time at the counter.

When it’s not crowded, they sit at a table, order their breakfasts politely, and sit and have quiet conversation, obviously enjoying each other’s company while they eat. If it’s crowded, they do the same at the counter, but not without ensuring themselves first of all that they aren’t taking someone else’s place.

If you happen to be coming in The Girls ‘Café about the same time they are, they all say hello and any one of the three holds the door open and exchanges pleasantries about the kind of day it is.

Seeing them there this week prompted me to ask why they come to the Girls Café so often for breakfast. All three were eager to answer and had his own opinion.

“It’s good here,” Frank explains, shrugging as if to say that makes sense. Then he adds, “the food is a good quality, and it isn’t too expensive. I know everybody here too, it’s just like family.”

John agrees and then talks about coming from Wisconsin and liking living here. The boys talk about their involvement in sports, about liking school and how good it is, and about activities going on in Highlands. They actually seem interested in holding a conversation with a stranger old enough to be their great grandmother.

Charley smiles, knowing he’s going to be asked the same questions. But he takes control of the situation, and starts with “You know my Dad,” a statement that surprised me because I didn’t know I did know his Dad simply because I did not know Charley himself.

The conversation went to sports, and Charley talked about the thrill he had going to the states for wrestling, and explaining, in answer to questions, that it’s his “technique” on the mat that earned him the right to compete in states. But rather than brag, when asked how he made out in the competition, he shrugged and said, “Pretty good.”

Sunday mornings at The Girls Café always mean talking with great people, chatting with the same local folks who know a good thing when they see it, and appreciating Charley for her expertise at the grill, and Kitty and Sam, or other staff members Allyson gets to charm and serve the customers every day. Wednesdays through Saturdays are just as much fun for either breakfast or lunch with an expanded group of the same great folks. There’s even still outdoor dining until the temperature drops too much

But having the door held open by a courteous young teen, seeing three young teens enjoy each other’s company in a polite, courteous and quiet conversation while others are having breakfast, or lunch adds a touch of class and appreciation for parents who have taught their youngsters that courtesy is important….and appreciated.

Highlands families are like that.

Young Men Young Men Young Men Young Men

THERE SHE IS! USS New Jersey (SSN-796)

By
Muriel J. Smith
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THERE SHE IS
Middletown Mayor Tony Perry on the beach with his children
THERE SHE IS
Middletown Mayor Tony Perry on the beach with his children

Whether you were aboard the Sea Tiger party boat going out of Atlantic Highlands harbor for a day of fishing, standing on the North Beach at Fort Hancock, or on the opposite side near the Coast Guard station, or  a uniformed cadet at MAST, the Marine Academy of Science and Technology at Fort Hancock, it was exciting Friday morning to see the USS New Jersey (SSN-776) cruise into Sandy Hook Bay for its first visit to NWS Earle’s Leonardo pier.

The submarine, the third naval vessel to be named for the state of New Jersey, will be commissioned at that pier amid much pomp and ceremony on Saturday, September 14.

But for this day, it was just sheer joy, pride and happiness as scores of people of all ages sought viewing places to get their first glimpse of the Virginia class nuclear-powered submarine under the command of Commander Steve Halle, with Chief Master Chief Sonar Technician Submarine Hamilton T. Felt the Chief of the Boat.

For a retired Navy ship from Leonardo, on the shoreline near the chapel on Fort Hancock, it was a chance to brag one more time about the Navy he served for more than two decades.

He and his wife, equally excited, came from their Leonardo home to be closer to the boat as she came into Leonardo. They were happy to retell the story of the many families who served the nation in many different wars, and proud to see the Navy so far advanced with its latest submarine.

For a Highlands couple who see Sandy Hook every day from their home high on Route 36, it was a chance to be present for a piece of history. Armed with not one, but two binoculars on stands, they were happy to share the view with everyone around, letting bystanders see the Sailors on the boat waving and accepting the applause and cheers of New Jerseyans, they could not hear but certainly felt.

It was a time for the Highlands resident to talk about his memories of the submarine base at New London, Connecticut where some of his family served. It also had him call for a moment of silence in remembrance for the crew of the submarine Thresher, which sank off Cape Cod, Massachusetts, in 1963, killing the entire crew of 129 sailors. The boat was never decommissioned, though but is considered on Silent Patrol forever and the tragedy led to SUSSAFE, the rigorous submarine safety program.

Photo Courtesy of Earl Moore

But clearly the most enthusiastic and supportive and cheering group observing from the sub were the juniors and seniors from MAST when their chief Naval Science Instructor Commander Tracie Smith-Yeoman USN (ret) took the class across Pershing Field so they could see the submarine whose original crew they had met on Fort Hancock last year.

According to Thomas Clark of Little Silver, Battalion Commander for the NJROTC at MAST,

“Seeing the submarine that bears the name of our state, in our own county, was a truly special experience. I was reminded how lucky I am that there are brave men and women who stand watch on these vessels protecting our nation.” 

Academics Officers Anthony Froio of Howell noted ““It was a reminder of all the brave men and women who serve every day to protect our freedoms.” 

Carter Braun, Battalion Executive Officer Carter Braun of Middletown also had special feelings on seeing the vessel. “When I saw the submarine, I was struck by a profound sense of patriotism and admiration.” 

Ad did Bravo Company Commander Nathan Olmdda of Middletown, who said he was “proud to be from the state this ship represents, and it was a reminder of the United States’ firepower that protects us all.” 

“Seeing the vessel “showed me the true scale of what goes into protecting us and our freedoms every day, said Tyler Terhune of Tinton Falls, Alpha Company Commander at MAST.

Ocean resident Olivia Palutis, the community affairs officer at MAST, said, “Seeing the submarine in real life reminded me of the sacrifice thousands of people make every day serving our country and keeping us safe.”

“We all had a great day,” NJROTC Commander Clark said, “we all recognize we had the absolute privilege of seeing the arrival of our state ship, the USS New Jersey. It was truly a historic event”

THERE SHE IS THERE SHE IS THERE SHE IS THERE SHE IS THERE SHE IS

The Knights Remember

By
Muriel J. Smith
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The Knights Remember

The monthly Breakfast sponsored by the Reverend Joseph Donnelly Council of the Knights of Columbus will be held in honor and remembrance of the World Trade Center tragedies of September 11, 2001.

The Knights sponsor a breakfast at no charge every month both to bring neighbors together and to ensure everyone has a full nourishing breakfast.

With the September event scheduled for Sunday, September 8, the Knights want the breakfast to be a special memorial; honoring 9/11-2001,and remembering all those who lost their lives in the World Trade Center and its aftermath.

Although breakfast will be served from 8:30. a.m. until 11:30 a.m., Sunday’s breakfast will officially begin with a remembrance ceremony at 10:28 a.m. in the school gym.

The event is sponsored by both the Knights local council and the Fourth Degree, Bishop McCaul Assembly 646 of Long Branch.

All are invited to attend the 9:30 mass and the remembrance ceremony immediately following.

The Knights Remember The Knights Remember The Knights Remember

Navesink Fishery Makes Me Happy

By
Muriel J. Smith
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Navesink Fishery

All the outstanding restaurants in the Bayshore make me happy, from Bahrs in Highlands which not only has the greatest staff in the world but also Jay’s Lobster Boss prestige proves it is a great place to get those very popular to the dining population crustaceans. Still, their salmon sandwich is a perfect lunch choice. And they’re spectacular at honoring special occasions like birthdays!

But when to comes to salmon, Ruddy Fields offerings at the Navesink Fishery simply can’t be beat! The most difficult thing about salmon on his every extensive seafood menu is deciding which one to try.

The good news is whichever it is, it can’t be wrong. Of course the seafood specialty menu..though they off lots ore as well…is so extensive diners the other night asked if they couldn’t just order one of each rather than make a choice!

On a recent evening with friends, I also learned as perfect as he is with seafood and other entrees…Ruddy is also a great vegetable cook!

Now that fall squash and other veggies are coming into season, the side dishes in these rather unique veggies area perfectly prepared, seasoned..and enjoyed. But it was till a surprise, and a treat, to sample the sweet potatoes which are so delectable and perfectly cooked it seems like the potatoes were taken out of the shell, whipped, smothered with butter and seasonings then put back in the skin for a perfect representation. Not so, said Ruddy, simply cooked to perfection!

By all means, ask the waitress for the differences in seafood presentation. She knows her menu quite well and can explain all the ingredients and how they’re prepared before you make your choice., That’s a talent in itself!

Yes, the portions are large, but rather than stuff yourself beyond fullness, get the rest to take home and enjoy at another meal. Too good to just overeat!

Then add those fresh sprigs of herbs wife Pat tends in the garden for a colorful, aromatic and beautiful presentation and a quiet, enjoyable dinner evening can’t be more perfect.

It’s been 20 years or so the Navesink Fishery has been in that Navesink strip mall. They just get better every year! But it’s still full of the nicest people!

Navesink Fishery Navesink Fishery Navesink Fishery

Middletown Emergency Volunteer Incentive Program

By
Muriel J. Smith
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Incentive

With dozens of volunteer firemen, EMTs and first aid men and women on hand and the American flag flying above the Navesink Hook and Ladder Company’s ladder truck at the

Navesink fire house, laid out the plans for the program into effect next year which shows how much the township appreciates its volunteers who save the township tens of thousands of dollars.

Mayor Tony Perry

The Middletown Emergency Volunteer Incentive Program is designed not only to show appreciation to the service of today’s volunteers for emergency services, but Mayor Perry also told the crowd it serves as an incentive for younger men and women to make their homes in Middletown and become a part of the teams that keep the township safe and secure.

“I’m honored, as are all the members of the Township Committee,” Perry told an appreciative crowd, “to be here with Middletown’s heroes and thank them for all they do for the safety, security and well being of their neighbors; they all have this in common…they are all volunteers and they are all heroes.”

Perry’s plan, the first in the state, will grant active volunteers a series of benefits that include reimbursements for property tax, assistance with down payments on home purchases in the township and a waiver of all local fees.

The incentive means the township will give first-time home buyers a $10,000 loan, as well as a $500 annual property tax reimbursement and the waiver of parking fees at the Railroad station. These waivers are in addition to the construction permit fees which are currently given to volunteers in the township.

Perry said he believes this is the first municipality in the state that has offered incentives of this type, and he is hopeful the example of Middletown will continue to other municipalities as well.

The program will encourage new families to follow in the footsteps of the volunteers in one of the state’s largest fire departments who have long since set a standard of excellence and dedication towards helping others, Perry said.

Township Committeeman and Deputy Mayor Rick Hebel, himself a former fire chief and the son of a former fire chief, added his praise and thanks to all the volunteers. “It’s not cheap living in Middletown,” he said, “nor is it cheap living in New Jersey.” But the volunteer efforts of the men and women who get up any hour of the day or night to help others save taxpayers thousands of dollars.” He cited the fact last year the fire department answered more than 1500 calls, the EMS teams more than 2000 calls and the vol9nteers put in more than 70,000 hours.

Hibell praised his own father, Bill, who was present for the ceremony and is celebrating 50 years, a half century, as a volunteer firefighter in the township as well the father and son both serving as fire chief in two different decades. The deputy mayor made it clear he learned as a youth the hours a volunteer firefighter or EMT puts in and the times he leaves a family meal or a youngster’s own recreational activities to help someone in need. It’s an example he himself wanted to follow and did, the deputy mayor said.

Middletown Fire Department’s Second Assistant Chief, Kevin Morrissey, with Station 8, the Middletown Fire Company, expressed the thanks of all and pointed out volunteers have to undergo no less than 190 hours of intensive study apart from all their volunteer hours. The courses take an additional dedication too regular time periods he pointed out, because of the necessity for regular attendance over time. “The eco-element is the most challenging problem” in encouraging new volunteers, Morrissey reminded the public. He cited the higher cost of living, and the necessity for two parents to be working creating the diminished time to enable willing men and women to volunteer.

Former Assemblyman Jack Ciattarelli, who recently launched his third try for the gubernatorial seat, was also present and praising the township volunteers.

Ciattarelli cited the property tax crisis in New Jersey and his own dedication and works toward keeping taxes down. In thanking the volunteers for their work as well as Perry and Hibell for creating the programs the local leaders indicated they would like to see spread across the state, Ciattarelli assured them he would carry their message throughout every municipality in New Jersey.

Related Story HERE

Incentive Incentive Incentive Incentive Incentive

A Tale of 2 Cities

By
Muriel J. Smith
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Mayor Tony Perry
Mayor Tony Perry Does it Right

Tale Middletown Mayor Tony Perry has done it again. Not just talking about the Welcome to Middletown banner that will be going up on the Route 36 overpass by NWS Earle’s Leonardo pier in a few days, though that will be a most welcome site to crew members as they come aboard the township from the USS New Jersey.

But the mayor’s explanation of that sensational incentive program for volunteers on fire and first aid squads should become a standard in every municipality in New Jersey.

One of Middletown’s chiefs, Kevin Morrissey said it best when he reminded all the local leaders who were at the ceremony at the Navesink Fire House, it’s the economic element that makes it so hard for men and women to volunteer these days.

It’s a huge commitment to volunteer as either an EMT or firefighter, he pointed out, for the hours it takes to get through all the training in the first place. With so many families having to have both parents working just to keep up with today’s economy, there is so much less time and probably energy to dedicate to getting up at all hours of the day or night, leave your kid’s football game or dance practice and rush out to help someone in immediate need.

Having incentives that help a family pay their taxes or help finance their commute to the city might be the key to ensuring that younger generations keep stepping up to the plate to do volunteer goodness.

The mayor and deputy mayor’s words were well received and appreciated by every volunteer and every family who knows what all those volunteer hours cost them in time, energy, and personal cost.

It’s a different situation in Atlantic Highlands, where Chief Lance Hubeny has worked really hard for a couple of years and as a result has a hard-working group of volunteers for EMT service; and every one of those volunteers has already proven how much they are doing and continue to do as a team.

Yet the borough still hasn’t done away with that $90,000 a year paid service company and put their trust in the volunteers who have, once again, proven they can do it.

Let’s hope that happens soon not only to show trust in the volunteers (and save $90,000 in tax dollars) but also to help the person needing those services.

That $90,000 a year service doesn’t respond to calls without charging the person in need of that trip to the hospital; they’re billed for the service, unlike the volunteer squad, whether their insurance covers it or not. Volunteer first aid men and women don’t charge for the service of helping their neighbor.

Let’s hope Mayor Perry’s great idea spreads throughout all the small towns in New Jersey.

Related Story HERE

Tale Tale Tale Tale

September 11 Memorial Vigil

By
Muriel J. Smith
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Memorial Vigil

It is our responsibility to continue to remember those who lost loved ones and to honor the memory of those who perished,” said Commissioner Director Tom Arnone, in announcing the annual 9/11 ceremony at Mount Mitchill in Atlantic Highlands.

A September 11 memorial vigil will be held at the scenic overlook on Ocean Boulevard. at 8 a.m. Wednesday, September 11.

The Monmouth County commissioners invite the families of those killed in the terrorist attacks who lived in Monmouth County to participate. Those interested in participating in the Memorial Ceremony are asked to email Lauren Brand at Lauren.Brand@co.monmouth.nj.us or Danielle Banyacski at Danielle.Banyacski@co.monmouth.nj.us.

The Board of County Commissioners also invites all residents and visitors to participate in the ceremony which has been held at the overlook site every year since 2012.

In 2001, the site was crowded with local residents who watched in horror as the World Trade Center was struck and buildings collapsed. Visitors to the site in the hours after the attack could also see the number of private recreational and fishing boats, together with Sea Streak ferries, that brought hundreds of people out of the city to the safer site of Atlantic highlands, where dozen more agencies and local residents helped in getting the stranded people back to their own homes or states.

Memorial Vigil Memorial Vigil Memorial Vigil Memorial Vigil

Same Song … Variances

By
Muriel J. Smith
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0
Variances

With a request for no fewer than 23 reasons to differ from the law, Kalian Management LLC will be at the Thursday (September 5) meeting of the Atlantic Highlands Planning Board seeking the variances to permit construction of five houses on an empty lot.

The Kalian firm, located on Hennessey Boulevard., the firm which also constructed the apartments on First Avenue, is seeking variances for property for which it is the contract purchaser that is the former home of the Masonic Hall at 14 East Garfield Avenue.

The application, which is listed last on the agenda for Thursday’s regular meeting, is seeking variance for minimum lot frontage, minimum lot width, minimum side setbacks and minimum total side setback for each of the three residential buildings they plan to build and sell. Minimum lot frontage under borough regulations is 75 foot, whereas the developers are seeking frontages between 52 and 56 feet.

In the application, Rick Brodsky, attorney for Kalian Management, indicated the company is seeking the variances so that it will have “no negative impact on the zone plan, ordinance or public good.”

The property currently includes a one and a half story dwelling and shed used as a non-profit Masonic lodge. And the subdivision would recreate five non-conforming lots for five single family homes.

A full description of the variances sought and the information which has already been submitted to the borough and reviewed by the borough engineer is included on the  borough’s website at www.AHNJ.com under the Planning Board agenda for the meeting.

Also included in the nine-page letter from planning board engineer Doug Rohmeyer, CFM, after his review of the application.

In addition to numerous recommendations the applicant should follow before approval is given, Rohmeyer said the applicant should specifically address the planned removal of the trees that provide a buffer to the adjacent property and any trees to be removed adjacent to East Garfield Avenue.

Variances Variances
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