Historian Greg Caggiano will present a program on the life of the wife of the 16th president, Mary Todd Lincoln, on Tuesday, March 8 at 6:30 p.m.
The program is being presented by the Monmouth County Library and is offered on ZOOM at no charge.
Caggiano will explore the life, times and tragedies of Mrs. Lincoln, from her early life through her marriage to Lincoln and the impact his presidency had on her own life. The historian will also focus on the stories about her own mental health following the assassination of her husband and the impact on her of other deaths throughout her life.
Caggiano brings a unique slant to his popular lectures. A published author who earned his degree in history from New Jersey City University, he has been an instructor in Brookdale College’s Lifelong Learning department and has spoken on the Civil War, American political history, witchcraft, prohibition and numerous state legends and folklore. He is a field guide for Brookdale’s Ocean Institute at Sandy Hook, focusing on maritime history and the story of Fort Hancock as a military installation over the years.
Caggiano has also served on the Board of Directors of the Atlantic Highlands Historical Society and has conducted tours focusing on the legends and hauntings around Strauss House, the Society’s mansion and headquarters.
Registration for the program on March 8 is available at www.MonmouthCountyLib.org under their Upcoming Events calendar, and must be completed by noon on March 7; the Zoom access link will be e-mailed after 4 p.m. that day.
A question and answer period will follow the lecture.
For further information on this and all programs, events, and activities for the Library, either online or at headquarters on Symmes Drive or any of the Monmouth County library branches, visit https://monmouthcountylib.org/
Love the All Saints Landmark National Trust group who works so hard in so many unique ways to raise funds to save the outbuildings at All Saints Church in Locust, more commonly known as Stone Church. It doesn’t make any difference what your religion is, the church itself is indeed a part of American history and is beautiful, both inside and out. The events church members put on to raise funds to keep this treasure in good shape are spectacular.
The Friends group, comprised of folks interested in preserving history, and not necessarily church members, want to preserve the outbuildings for history are a great help, especially since church. Just saw a great piece they wrote seeking funds to continue their work of preserving that phase of local history, and thought it was worth repeating. They’re a hardworking, ambitious and industrious group who deserve a lot of credit for what they’re doing.
The All Saints’ National Landmark Trust is a non-profit 501(c)(3) corporation founded for the purpose of seeking, receiving and disbursing funds contributed to the Trust for the maintenance and preservation of the historic landmark property of All Saints’ Memorial Church buildings and grounds. Its board of trustees consists of parish leaders, parishioners, and local community members.
Besides the sheds, the non-profit group has more plans on the horizon, including something to make the door of the main church building more easily accessible.
This is what they wrote in their request for more funds
Once a common sight at churches, meeting houses and public places to protect horse-drawn carriages from the elements, the carriage sheds at All Saints’ Memorial Church may be the last remaining examples of these simple utilitarian structures in New Jersey. The sheds were constructed in two phases, the earlier section, thought to have been built before 1890, is most in need of immediate repair to head off collapse. As with earlier preservation efforts, original features, such as the gnawing marks left by horses, will be protected. Rough-hewn lumber will be used for replacement boards and beams. The All Saints’ National Landmark Trust is undertaking a fundraising campaign to support this cause and other projects to preserve this treasured community resource and the entire Stone Church Campus in Navesink.
If you enjoyed Shakespeare in the Sheds or the seasonal events Winterfest or Spring Fling last year, you know how important the open-air sheds have been for programming during a pandemic. If you are enthusiastic about preserving local history please consider a donation to this worthy cause. All donations at this time will go directly to the expense of the shed repairs.
And going from the sublime to the ridiculous … if you saw the story in a recent daily about Freehold native Bruce Springsteen, are you as angry at his high falootin attitude as I am?
He talks about coming back to New Jersey…..well, ok, Colts Neck is a bit different from Freehold, I’ll grant him that….but then saying he doesn’t know why he come back? Really?
All those towns, people and places that put him on the map and made him so famous with the talent he obviously has were good enough to make him a millionaire, but he doesn’t know why he comes back?
Ah, there’s promise ahead….
When he figures it out … when he figures out why he came back to Jersey… he says, he’ll let us all know.
I, for one, will not be waiting with bated breath. I can still remember when he was a kid and came into the Courier office in Middletown asking us to promote his Greetings from Asbury Park album. We did. But I can also remember a couple of years ago when he was promoting his new book at the Freehold Barnes and Noble store. He couldn’t make the time to meet with the Freehold folks who were his former neighbors when he was growing up.
Hear there are going to be a lot of surprises….really good ones, too, on the ballot in the June primary and with the power and money behind many of them, looks like some incumbents have a lot to worry about. We’ve already known that Rik Mehta will be on the ballot in the GOP primary in June opposing the local GOP choice and now we hear there are some mighty strong names that are going to be in other spots on the ticket opposing the county GOP-led choices. Should be a fascinating GOP primary and one that is bound to see some upsets.
If you haven’t gotten your reservations in yet for the first annual St. Patrick’s celebration at the Shore Casino in Atlantic Highlands, better do so soon. In addition to that terrific Irish band, there will be Atlantic Highlands’ own Irish Step dancers, and of course a bagpipe or two. Given all the Irish love in the area, all the Irish talent all around us, and the Casino’s reputation for having the biggest and best buffets around, to say nothing of a terrific Happy Hour before dinner, this $40 evening sounds like the best bargain of the season. Call the Casino at 732-291-4300 and get your reservations in quickly.
Possible final action on the proposed parking ordinance is scheduled for tonight’s meeting of the Mayor and Council, set for 7 p.m. both at Borough Hall and virtually on ZOOM. Information on how to access the meeting is available on the borough’s website at ahnj.com
The parking ordinance, which has been planned and discussed for months, had its public hearing at the last meeting, but final action was delayed when former Harbor Commission Chairman Jane Frotton, during the public portion of the meeting, questioned whether the borough attorney had researched whether the borough could charge parking fees on land acquired through Green Acres Funds. It is anticipated the attorney will give his opinion on that question at tomorrow’s meeting and that will determine whether the governing body can then vote on final passage of the parking ordinance.
In other business in a relatively non-complex meeting, council plans on approving the sale of various pieces borough-owned equipment no longer necessary, ranging from vehicles to loads of electronic equipment, all of which will be offered for sale as is and with no guarantees, a routine conducted regularly to keep the borough current and updated with its equipment and supplies.
Council also plans action on a MOU with new Police Chief Scott Reinert, also a routine measure, and approving the company from which to purchase the fireworks for the annual extravaganza at the Municipal Yacht Harbor to celebrate the nation’s independence. This year’s celebration is planned for July 8 at 9 p.m.
The borough does have the right to charge for parking at its parking lots in the harbor area, attorney Jason Sena advised the governing body last night, eliminating the last bump to passage of amendments to the borough parking regulations. The Mayor and Council unanimously approved the new regulations as recommended by the parking committee after extensive and months long studies and appraisals.
The ordinance was set for action at last month’s council meeting, until former Councilwoman Jane Frotton, also former chair of the Harbor Commission, said the land was purchased with Green Acres funds and thus prohibited the borough from charging for its uses. Council delayed action on the ordinance until Sena could investigate the background of the acquisition.
Changes to the code will permit overnight parking at the Railroad Avenue and Holly Tree lots with special permits from the police department, and sets at six hours the limit to parking at the Holy Tree lot.
The code also eliminates overnight parking on the western side of Hennessey Blvd.
At last night’s meeting, Sena said research by both himself and borough administrator Robert Ferragina did not find any prohibition for the borough to charge for parking at the Holly Tree lot. Sena said there appears to be no record that Green Acres funds were used for the land purchase, but even if they were, the borough would have the right to charge for parking and other amenities on the property so long as the proceeds were kept in a separate account and used for further land preservation in the future. The attorney said it appears the land may have been purchased with other funds, possibly from Monmouth County, rather than Green Acres without any restrictions on future use.
Ferragina said the state is continuing to research Green Acres funding, but both he and Sena felt sufficiently confident in the accuracy of the information they have to proceed with the planned ordinance.
Frotton, present virtually at the meeting, said she disagreed with the findings, and also objected to the consideration of a second issue, additional lighting in the area, something not addressed in this ordinance.
Parking Committee member Mark Fisher, who has done extensive studies and recommendations for the changes, thanked the governing body for taking action and also reminded them that the new code also means taking down some parking signs currently in place on Hennessey Blvd.
In other business, retired Police Chief David Rossbach was honored by the governing body for his 42 years of service to the local department until his retirement last month. It delayed action on the MOU to be signed with new chief Scott Reinert until the Chief is able to attend a meeting.
Mayor Loretta Gluckstein indicated that also another head boat spot is available at the municipal yacht harbor with the retirement of the Sea Hunter, one of the five head boats docked at the Municipal Yacht Harbor.
With eight spaces available for head boats, the four remaining boat captains, most of whom will resume fishing operations next month, represent the least number of party boats that have ever been in the harbor. Anyone interested in leasing a party boat site can contact the Harbor Commission at the Harbor. There are also a limited number of other boat slips still available for lease for the upcoming season.
Councilman Jon Crowley also gave a review of t he work in progress which will enable the governing body to offer an improved system for virtual meetings and anticipates the work will be completed and sufficient tests conducted for full use at either late April or early May meetings.
Crowley also reported the regionalization committee concerning the possible regionalization of the three boards of education here, in Highlands and Sea Bright, has decided to wait until a report currently underway at Henry Hudson, is complete before making a report to the governing body.
Both Highlands and Sea Bright have passed resolutions requesting the state Commissioner of Education to put the regionalization question on the November ballot, and are waiting for Atlantic Highlands to make its decision before any question can be put on the ballot. Mayor Gluckstein named Tracey Abbey White and Sara Weimer to the regionalization committee, praising both for their experience as educations and members of boards of education.
The Atlantic Highlands Yacht Club is launching its annual membership drive in time for the upcoming boating season, offering a variety of membership types for active, provisional, student, and military members, and a full program of activities and social events throughout the year.
”We’re a bit like the old TV program, Cheers,” laughed Sue Mikaitis, acting membership chair for the active yacht club. “It isn’t necessary to own a boat, or even to know how to sail. What is necessary is an enthusiasm for having fun. At the Club, just as at Cheers, everyone knows your name.”
The Club, which meets in its clubhouse above the Shore Casino in the nationally known Atlantic Highlands Municipal Harbor, is also as much about helping others as it is in its numerous social and recreational events. For the past 18 years, it has supported as its primary charity, 180 Turning Lives Around, an organization that fights domestic abuse, and has raised more than $180,000 for that cause throughout that time. In addition, the Club offers a Special Olympics Sailing (S.O.S) program for children and adult athletes with special needs , a program the club designed and has sponsored for nearly three decades.. “We reap great pleasure from this annual program,” the membership chair said, “especially since some of the athletes in the program have been with us from the very start.”
Membership applications for the Yacht Club are available by visiting their website at https://ahcy.clubexpress.comto secure an application and learn more about the Club, its members and activities.
“Membership in this Club is very much like joining a second family,” the chair continued, noting there are members of all ages ,various interests and different walks of life. All share a love for enjoying social and recreational activities, helping others, and appreciating meeting new people. With more than 300 members, primarily from Monmouth County, as well as many who travel from northern New Jersey and New York to participate, there are numerous opportunities to share talents, conversations and new ideas.
In addition to the camaraderie of this unique club, other benefits include reciprocity with other yacht clubs throughout the country, as well as launch service for those with sailboats in the harbor, a robust race program, and the AHSEP, a special sailing education program designed for children. The Entertainment Committee plans at least one social event each month and the Club’s new chef has already garnered a reputation for having the most unique menu available among local fine restaurants.
In addition to the monthly social events planned on a regular basis, the Club traditionally celebrates with a Valentine’s Day party, Kentucky Derby Party, Irish Pub Night, Race Awards Party, pre-holiday cocktail parties and the Commodore’s Ball. It’s annual Blessing of the Fleet at the start of each season is one of the most popular events at this busy yacht harbor, complete with gun salutes, a boat parade and a military honor guard.
Persons wishing further information before contacting the website can contact Sue Mikaitis at 732-859-7269.
The retirement of the captain of the Sea Hunter is great for him and according to his website, he is certainly happy to be retiring. Best of luck and congratulations on being such an important part of the community and fishing industry all these years.
That’s the good news for him. But the bad news for the industry, the Harbor, and fishermen in general is that his retirement means there are now only four headboats docked at the world’s most beautiful and easily accessible harbor, where at one time there were eight headboats.
But that was long ago, at a time when boat captains could count on almost guaranteeing a boatload of fish for happy reelers at a price everyone could afford. Remember the days of the Satellite and the SuperCat?
Today, I feel sorry for these hardworking guys in the business and think all of us can do something to help them and not only feel good about ourselves but make others feel good as well.
Party boat captains are being hit from all angles. The state Fish and Game Commission isn’t kind to them; not only do they change regulations and prohibitions and restrictions at the drop of a piece of bait, limiting what fishermen can and can’t take, how big it has to be and how many they can catch. But because of the nature of their business and the weather, head boat captains have a limited season in New Jersey.
While most headboats will be starting up the season in about four weeks or so, they have to pay their leasing fees year round, they have to be down there sprucing up their craft for what they hope will be another busy and profitable season, and they have to keep up all that awful insurance cost. Once the season starts, add in the bait, added crew members to be paid, and the myriad of other costs they all incur to ensure a great day on the water for the customer.
But this year, think of it. It’s going to be pretty horrible for lots of industries, and this one will be hit hard. If you’re complaining and feeling the pinch of the high cost of filling your car’s gas tank for $75 or so, think of what it has to be costing to fill the tanks on these boats! Then think of how many folks have to go out on these trips to make it cost effective….just to break even!
But that’s where we can help. Do you have a favorite niece or nephew graduating from high school? Or perhaps a new military enlistee home on his first leave? Or how about that college student who’s taking on extra classes this summer and needs a break once in a while?
Think gift cards for trips on one of the head boats out of the Atlantic Highlands Yacht Harbor. Think of that Father’s Day gift that will be remembered for a lifetime. Think of giving a teenager a new experience with a rod and reel or spending a special day with his friends seeing who can hook the first striper.
Capt. Hal Hagaman’s Sea Tiger has always been a fun boat to go out on because of the camaraderie and friendship aboard, to say nothing of Capt. Hal’s ability to find great fishing grounds.
Capt. Scott’s Prowler V is another great head boat and one where the crew is simply outstanding in showing new fisherman the tricks of the trade.
Capt. Tom Buban’s Atlantic Star long ago gained its reputation for excellence, and offers senior citizen discounts as a bit of a bonus for a great day on the water.
And Capt. Ron’s Fisherman is a family business, like so many of the others, that shows a love and dedication to a craft the Santees know so well.
It’s worth checking into the AHNJ.com webpage, going to Harbor information and seeing what each of these boat captains has to say about the upcoming season. Love Capt. Ron’s spirit of adventure and positive outlook,talking about the sun coming up and the fish biting. Stop down at the harbor and see how they’re sprucing up their craft in anticipation of April trips.Then think of the fun you or someone you want to treat to a special gift will have when he feels that striper on the end of the line. There’s nothing like it.
Haven’t had much Highlands news to report, simply because the Mayor and Council doesn’t care enough about people with handicaps, folks who need to stay at home with family or simply have no transportation to get to the Highlands Council meetings to offer the meetings virtually … or maybe it is just their way of censuring reporting that they don’t like
It is just so difficult to see how and why the borough could immediately jump in with ZOOM and virtual meetings when the Governor ordered it, but now that that mandate has been lifted, at least temporarily, they can’t offer the same convenience to the taxpayers and others interested in what’s going on in this great town.
Looking at the Highlands webpage gives some insight into activities, even though official place for borough information, isn’t so user friendly. Even with what they have posted, though, it really looks like a lot of good things are happening in Highlands.
Love the idea of the pre-teens…the 6,th,7th, and 8th graders getting a lesson in how to make Irish Soda Bread tomorrow evening. That’s from 6:30 to 8:30 March 11 in the Community Center. Hopefully, it isn’t too late for pre-teens who want to sign up because registration is a must. Go to the borough site at www.HighlandsBorough.org to learn more.
The Mayor’s Wellness campaign always sounds busy and active, and there are several items on the borough’s website that should be of interest to a lot of folks.
Then there’s another event that sounds great, on Friday, March 18 at 6:30, but couldn’t read the flyer clearly enough to get all the facts. Apparently there’s going to be a Grab ’N Go Corned Beef Dinner being offered at the Highlands Skate Park on the corner of Bay Avenue and Shore Drive…don’t know exactly where these two parallel roads intersect but it’s where the skate park is. The information on the website says even delivery is available for those in need, and an RSVP is requested, and the dinners will be offered so long as the supply lasts. To learn more about that one, write JKane@HighlandsBorough.org.
What I didn’t see on the webpage at all is the annual St. Patrick’s Day parade, a huge event, a wonderful afternoon and something so many look forward to every year. Hopefully, I’m correct in thinking it is taking place on Saturday, March 18 at 2 p.m. along Bay Avenue starting at Huddy Park and going to Bahrs Restaurant. Heard there are going to be some fascinating exhibits in the line of march in addition to some pretty spectacular music and lots of dignitaries. Also saw that new Monopoly piece golden trike Mike Mullens will be riding in the parade. The sharp looking conveyance does look like one of the playing pieces in the Monopoly game, but I’m sure Mike and just about everybody else will tell you that Highlands is a lot better than the Atlantic City the original Monopoly board portrays. Look for Mike in the parade….and look for a surprise or two as he moves along!
And while on the subject of Mike and Highlands, can’t wait until next month when The Girls Café will once again have all its outdoor dining ready and available and Mike will continue to beautify that cozy and friendly little corner of Washington and Bay avenues wit h his creativity and great flowers and plants. Will be great to see all those tables filled with happy people. Stop in the Café, grab a cup of coffee, and check out their new and very beautiful new menus.
The Blizzard of ’88…1888 that is, was the worst storm of the century and one of the worst storms in American history. It began on a Sunday night, and by Monday morning 134 years ago today, there was 10 inches of snow on the ground and more falling, with no signs it was going to stop anytime soon.
In the end, the storm which traveled the entire coast from the Chesapeake Bay to Maine caused millions of dollars in damage and killed more than 400 people, including no fewer than 100 sailors at sea along the eastern seaboard.
Locally, Marianna Leonard Bell, the daughter of Thomas Leonard, best known for his book, “From Indian Trail to Electric Rail,” the first mayor of the borough and one of its founders, had her own personal memories of how the Blizzard affected her hometown of Atlantic Highlands.
Born in November 1882, she was five years old at the time and the family was living in the home in which she was born, which she described in her own writing as “the old red house at the corner of Mount and Second Avenues.” That house was moved in 1893 to First Avenue and later became Antonides Drug Store.
Mrs. Bell’s story was included in the book she wrote, “I Remember,” which was published by the Atlantic Highlands Historical Society in 1986 when Fanny McCallum headed the Society. The book was illustrated by the Rev. John P. Wood and a centennial edition of 1,000 copies was published on the occasion of the borough’s centennial.
History noted that it had been a mild winter up until March, until a western snowstorm met up with a warm front from the south and created the havoc of the century. New York registered 22 inches of snow, along with sustained high winds and gusts up to 80 miles an hour and dangerously low temperatures, demolishing all kinds of power lines and causing 50 foot high snowdrifts. Both Wall Street and the Brooklyn Bridge closed that Monday, and even prisons were filled with people who had ventured out or had gone to work with no idea it would get that bad. Many even sought refuge in the prisons when bars and hotels were filled to overflowing with travelers who could not get back home.
In her book, Mrs. Bell recalled that the snowdrifts were at least 20 foot high, high enough to cover the first story windows on the north side of the Leonard home so she could not even see out. “I remember my father opened one window and poked holes with a broom handle so we could see out,” she said, describing the experience as “great fun.”
She continues in her book, “After the storm, everybody had great tales to tell. One was a tragedy. One man, whose name I cannot recall, was found frozen under the porch of the houses which then stood where Whelan’s Drug Store now stands. He probably got lost in the blinding storm.” “I must add,” she continued, “we seldom saw the ground from November to March. The Shrewsbury River was frozen all winter.”
Mrs. Leonard was living at 93 Third Avenue when she died on April 24, 1975, at age 92. She was survived by three sons, Frank, Ken and the Rev. Thomas, seven grandchildren, and six great grandchildren. She was buried from Posten’s Funeral Home after services at the Central Baptist Church.
A variety of programs, new creative ideas, and an enthusiasm to overcome challenges all resulted in a packed schedule for children using the Monmouth County Library system in spite of Covid 19 regulations.
That was the report of Children’s Coordinator Pat Findra last month, in giving her annual report to the Monmouth County Library Commission. The library hears annual reports from each of the department heads, highlighting the accomplishments and strong points of the program, as well as reporting on specific problems or needs.
The librarian noted while Covid restrictions continued throughout the year, staff members worked long and hard continuing to provide library services while at the same time ensuring health and safety protection for families and communities.
While at the beginning of the year, door-side service was the primary means of providing needs for the children’s community, Findra said virtual programs and take-home crafts were also included in the modified plans.
All these efforts enabled the children’s library to provide limited in-person services during the second half of the year, while still maintaining social distance for all programs.
One advantage of all the department’s efforts, Findra continued, was the popularity growth of take-home crafts, an option that exceeded records for previous in-person options.
Department members also joined other employees in assisting in other library services, including door-side services, shelving materials, conducting reference services, ordering new materials and covering chat an e-mail service requests, along with numerous other areas, Findra said.
The 2021 summer reading program, Tales and Tails, presented a challenge in promoting the program and increasing participation as staff was unable to conduct in person school visits and students were overloaded with screen time due to various schooling formats. However, summer reading statistics were higher than the previous year, although approximately only at 50% compared to 2019.
Throughout last summer and into late fall, the children’s staff conducted outdoor story time; staff conducted Zoom story-times in branch library areas without outdoor facilities for story time.
By the last two months of the year, story time was continued indoors with social distancing. In spite of library efforts, the indoor story times showed a large decline in participants compared to the previous year.
Special virtual events were scheduled throughout the year with presentations virtually as well as with on demand replay options available for up to thirty additional days.
The department underwent many staffing changes during the year, but is looking forward to increasing staff and continuing to engage the community with programs, Findra concluded.
For more information on the range of programs offered by the Monmouth County Library for children, and for more information on all the library offers, visit www.MonmouthCountylib.org.
Frank Allsman was sworn in as Commodore of the Atlantic Highlands Yacht Club at the annual Change of Watch ceremony at the Yacht Club, located in the Municipal Yacht Harbor. He succeeds Christopher Stone as the 69th commodore of the historic association.
Lou Melillo was sworn in as VIce Commodore. Melillo is a Past Commodore who served in 2004. Joe Patsco was sworn in as Rear Commodore.
Elaine Hayden and Helen Parker were sworn in to continuing terms as recording and corresponding secretaries, respectively, and Sue Hillers continues as treasurer. Fleet Captain Emily Smith and Fleet Medical officers, Cathy Patsco, RN and Dr. Mike Ferguson, as well as fleet chaplains, Carol and Peter Andrews, Club Historian Kristen Gantt Applin were also sworn in. Christopher Stone became the Immediate Past Commodore.
Board of Governors members Karen Harris, Sue Mikaitis and Kevin O’Brien will continue in their positions this year, and were joined by Barbara Nevius, Chuck Parker, and Bob Williams.
In relieving Commodore Stone of duties, Commodore Allsman assured club members he would continue the high standards set by Stone and commended the past officer for outstanding leadership during the trying times of the pandemic, establishing and overseeing stringent health guidelines while continuing to lead the club in its waterfront activities and the onset of renovations in the clubhouse.
The new Commodore also promised a year of programs and innovations and a vibrant membership drive encouragement more growth and social activities for the historic Yacht Club.
