The commemorative coin for the commission of the USS New Jersey (SSN796), designed by a MAST NJROTC cadet, is now available for sale at the Commissioning Committee’s website.
The coin, which is available for $25, was created and designed by Highlands resident Russell Karshmer, a raising senior at MAST, the Marine Academy of Science and Technology on Sandy Hook. Karshmer, the son of Mr. and Mrs. Gary Karshmer, was one of four MAST students who submitted design ides among the more than 300 received from students from throughout New Jersey
The coin design depicts the view from Mount Mitchill, recognizing it as the highest point on the Eastern seaboard. From that vantage point, he portrays the Eastern Goldfinch, the state bird of New Jersey, perched atop a branch of the state tree, the Red Oak, and holding the state flower, the Violet, in its beak. The bird is observing the approach of the USS New Jersey (SSN 796) into Naval Weapons Station Earle in Leonardo for her commissioning. In the background, the Sandy HookLighthouse, the oldest operating lighthouse in the United States, illuminates the newest submarine to join the fleet from her post in historic Fort Hancock, a former U.S. Army Base.
Other design considerations are the three oak leaves, three acorns, and three piers at Earle, symbolizing that USS New Jersey is the third warship to bear the name USS New Jersey, and New Jersey being the third state to join the Union.
The colors of the water and sand illustrate the official state colors of Jersey Blue and Buff respectively and the banner outlines the location and date of the USS New Jersey’s commissioning in April 2024.
The USS New Jersey Commissioning Committee recently added the coin to it exclusive new merchandise geared to collectors and supporters alike. All items are not only unique keepsakes but also a way to support the crew of the New Jersey.
In addition to the Karshmer designed coin, the commissioning committee’s shop also added a wine glass etched with the submarine and continues its sale of other ceramics, medals and hats among other memorabilia of the nation’s newest submarine and the third Naval vessel named to honor the state.
The submarine will be commissioned September 17 at Navel Weapons Station pier in Leonardo.
Candidates for Congress , County Commission and a third special guest will all be featured speakers at the regular meeting of the Atlantic Highlands Republican Club Monday, July 22 at 7 p.m. The meeting will be at the Senior Center at the Municipal Yacht Harbor.
Scott Fegler is the GOP candidate seeking a seat in the house of Representatives currently held by Congressman Frank Pallone and will introduce himself to guests and speak on his goals for Congress.
Commissioner Sue Kiley is seeking re-election to the Monmouth County Board of Commissioners, formerly known as the Board of Freeholders. The Commissioner, also a former Mayor of Hazlet, will highlight some of the county’s accomplishments and its plans for the future.
Highlands Council President Jo-Anne Olszewski will also be a speaker, giving information and background on the importance of residents of both boroughs being informed of the seats to be decided on the new Henry Hudson Regional Board of Education, which replaces the three boards of education in the high school and two elementary schools in the two boroughs. The councilwoman is her governing body’s liaison the school board.
Members and non-members of the club are invited to attend.
Interrupting Atlantic Highlands Mayor Lori Hohenleitner when she referred to the idea of a non-binding referendum on education’s future in her town as “frivolous” ended a late night very agitated chastisement this reporter received from the mayor Saturday night. Mayorial Meltdown
When it was all said and done, it wasn’t the story, its contents or accuracy, of the news story I wrote in my blog, VeniVidiScripto.com that brought on the agitated call. Nor was it the fact that Atlantic Highlands Council is never going to seek the public’s opinion on school regionalization on a non-binding “frivolous” referendum.
The call only lasted minutes before the Mayor hung up after I questioned the “frivolous” statement about a non-binding question.
It took me the first minute or so to learn who was calling. For me, calls after 10 p.m. and with children, grandchildren and great children scattered throughout the country, including in the military, always instill a level of apprehension and a quick prayer even before answering. Being awakened makes it even more difficult.
At first, in answering all I could hear was the unintelligible ranting, screaming and a stream of words I could not understand. When asked, Ms. Hohenleitner identified herself as “the mayor.”
She then berated me for being rude and disrespectful while I was still trying to figure out the purpose of the call. When I asked for more information, I was told it was over the story I wrote. And how terrible the headline was. Writing numerous stories just about every day, and thousands of words, I still needed to find out which story she was talking about.
It was only then I learned it was the story on Highlands and Sea Bright approving a non-binding referendum on their ballots in November to get the public’s opinion on whether Sea Bright should ever come into the Henry Hudson Regional District. To make the story complete, I had requested, and received, the reasons from Mayor Hohenleitnerwhy Atlantic Highlands would not do the same, information that was included as a lead in the story.
Once I learned it was the headline that bothered her, I asked what it was. I am a journalist, not a headline writer. Those very well-paid specialists have a distinct talent for drawing attention to an article with the fewest words, ensuring a story will be read, a skill reporters do not possess. Headline writers write the leads after reading the edited story that is forwarded for publication. For most journalists, certainly myself, the writer doesn’t see or hear about the story again and it goes to print.
I know my headline writer very well. He’s my son, and he’s outstanding at writing headlines, as is evidenced by the thousands of my stories that are read around the world.
After much shouting and more questions, I learned the headline on this particular story was Ho Ho Says No. My first reaction hearing it, even from a ranting woman, was it was a clever way to draw attention to an important story without trying to squeeze the name Hohenleitner a 12-letter word, into a headline. For at least one reader, it apparently worked, considering the importance of an after 10 p.m. call on a Saturday night.
I went on to explain I don’t write or see my headlines and that my son does them, an explanation that brought forth many non-complimentary words about him as well, before the Mayor then assured me she would not be responding to any future queries from me for any information.
It was while I was questioning why she would not answer further questions in the future, from me, now knowing I had not written the headline, she blurted something about the non-binding referendum being ‘frivolous.”
At some point she told me she knows the peoples’ opinions, she talks to them all the time, she hears what they have to say. Sounding very much like she did not think going to the polls to express a Yea or No was important. I interrupted at that point, asking for confirmation that she really identified asking the public for their opinions on a question of this magnitude as frivolous?
She did not hear the end of the question. She had already slammed down the phone.
My question on the frivolity of the referendum question is because it does not cost anything to put a question on the November ballot. Simply a courtesy to let people express how they feel, yes or no. Days before my late-night phone call, the governing body approved a different non-binding referendum for the November ballot. That one has to do with raising taxes another two cents for a specific purpose, open space acquisition.
Perhaps taxes are not as frivolous as the future of education for students.
In the first of what is hopefully a series of actions to keep the public better informed about goings on with the Henry Hudson Regional Board of Education, the board has instituted a policy of having all meetings videotaped by school personnel.
Until now, the board of education neither offers its meetings virtually nor recorded or videotaped them.
John Sierchio, who is a senior at Henry Hudson and lives on Seadrift Avenue, Highlands, brought, set up and operated equipment at last week’s regional board meeting and photographed the entire meeting.
Sierchio, an honors student and student of Michael Boylan’s digital and video class, said after the meeting it was “interesting and exciting” to attend and he was surprised to see so many residents attend board meetings.
While his favorite classes in school are in math, the senior said photography and video have been a hobby of his and he has learned from his classes at Hudson.
In addition to his hobby with video, Sierchio also attends any sports events, as he does the financial reports for several of the Henry Hudson sports teams.
Following graduation, Sierchio is hopeful of continuing learning more and improving on his video and digital techniques as well as going on to college, with an eye on Stevens Institute of Technology.
Superintendent Tara Beams said that personnel are in
the process of processing the video. We intend to have the link ready and published on our district website within 48-72 hours of the meeting.” Dr. Beams added that the TV production teacher is on vacation but will generally handle the upload; however, for this meeting, ” we are working with our outstanding student, John Sierchio, to get this uploaded. We are really hoping to have this completed today or by Monday at the latest. Once it is posted, it will be located here: Board Meeting Recordings on the Henry Hudson Board of Education site.
Borough Councils in Highlands and in Sea Bright both want voters to weigh in the November election and are seeking public opinion on whether Sea Bright should join the school district .
But Atlantic Highlands borough council chooses to wait before finding out the opinions of its residents at the ballot box. That, in spite of the fact Council has already approved another non-binding question on the November ballot concerning raising taxes.
That is what happened this week after the Highlands Borough Council voted unanimously to put a non-binding referendum on the November ballot to let the public express their opinions on whether they want Sea Bright to be a part of the Henry Hudson Regional school district.
The Sea Bright Borough Council is calling a special meeting for the upcoming week to take similar action and learn from their residents if Sea Bright should become a part of the Henry Hudson Regional School District.
But the Atlantic Highlands Mayor and Council said No. They will not have any such question on the November 5 ballot. Rather than get the opinion of the residents now, as the other two councils feel is necessary, that council prefers to wait for definite proof that Sea Bright will be able to get permission from the Commissioner of Education to join the school district before hearing from their own residents.
“We look forward to that opportunity to formally confirm our community’s commitment at that time,” Mayor Lori Hohenleitner said, in response to a question on whether Atlantic Highlands would take similar action for a non-binding referendum.
A non-binding referendum is a question placed on a ballot simply to get the opinions of voters. It is frequently used for informational and research purposes so a governing body knows the feelings of their constituents and can move forward with a better idea of what their residents really want.
There are no fees, charges or costs for including a non-binding referendum on the November ballot.
The question on the Highlands ballot calls for a yes or no response on the question, “Do you support the Borough exploring tax relief for Highlands by having students from Sea Bright attend the Henry Hudson Regional School District?
The Sea Bright non-binding question will be similar, asking its residents if they support their students being in the regionalization district.
Mayor Hohenleitner said she understands both Highlands and Sea Bright are asking the public to express their opinions in November and Atlantic Highlands has been asked to do the same.
However, she continued before indicating it will not be a question on Atlantic Highlands’ ballot, “the Mayor and Council of Atlantic Highlands are steadfast in their support of the Henry Hudson Regional School District and for adding Sea Bright to the District as soon as it is legally permissible to do so.” She noted the governing body has “publicly expressed this support and communicated it to the community we were elected to serve.”
Still, she indicated, this governing body does not feel the opinion of the public should be sought at this time and should wait until Sea Bright has permission to become a part of the district. When that happens, she said, “The question will be put to our voters in a binding referendum when Sea Bright gets permission….”
Based on the actions of the three governing bodies, it seems apparent that Highlands and Sea Bright mayors and council want to hear from their residents during the entire process and feel that involving them through the entire proceedings not only keeps the residents informed but enables the governing bodies to take action with knowledge they are acting as the majority of people they represent want.
On the other hand, many question why Atlantic Highlands does not feel the same way about keeping the public aware and able to have input into the future of education for their local families.
The one question Atlantic Highlands is putting on the ballot this November as a non-binding referendum for opinions on whether property owners should be assessed an additional two cents on assessed valuation for a special fund for preservation, maintenance and acquisition of open space in the borough.
Highlands also has another non-binding resolution on its November ballot, that one asking for opinions on the flood gate and wall presented by the Army Corps of Engineers.
Mayor Carolyn Broullon held an open informational to ensure the public received all the information on the proposal from the Army Corps and had the opportunity to ask questions. That session was held at Henry Hudson Regional School to accommodate the anticipated crowd who attended. More than 100 local residents attended, asked questions, and expressed a variety of opinions on the proposal.
Sea Bright is also now planning to submit an updated petition request to the state Education Commissioner shortly. It is expected that this will satisfy all the requirements to proceed to a formal referendum. The only remaining requirement will be securing the endorsement of the Henry Hudson Board of Education which they have previously said they would do once the Commissioner’s approval has been obtained.
When 14-year-old Ava Addotta took first place in the annual Andy Rooney Swim Meet last week, it was at the front of a team that included many of her friends, including fifth place swimmer Hayden Gill.
But it was more emotional at the award ceremony following the meet that attracted 104 swimmers when Hayden Gill presented the Amy Lynn Gill Award to her friend and fellow swimmer.
The Award is named for Hayden’s mother, Amy Lynn,who was the long-time swimming coach of both young women and a respected role model and coach for numerous swimmers throughout the Monmouth County area. Amy Lynn died earlier this year and her family established the award together with an annual college scholarship award for a Hazlet high school graduate. Amy Lynn taught at Raritan High School for 24 years in addition to starting a swim team and serving as a certified lifeguard.
Addotta’s finishing time of 23.15 for the one-mile ocean swim on a triangular course into the ocean, was 62 seconds faster than second place finisher Kylie Newton of Spring Lake. Siara Celentano of Lincroft finished third at 24:18, Salena Huang of Brooklyn fourth at 24:23 and Gill fifth at 25.29.
The fastest male swimmer was Santiago Massone of Wall, also 14 years of age, who finished the mile in 21.50.
“The entire meeting was emotional and meant so much to all of us,” said Brian Gill of Locust, Hayden’s father and the widower of Amy Lynn. “Ava is one of my daughter’s best friends and to have Hayden present the award to her was so meaningful and unforgettable.”
The winning swimmer was also very close to Hayden’s mom as Ava’s mom Christi and Amy Lynn took turns driving both girls to swim practices and swim meets for several years.
Hayden & Ava with their friend Luna on the left
Both teenage athletes hold records of their own as well. Ava’s win at 14 years of age makes her the youngest female to ever win this event, and Hayden has been swimming in the event for five years, ever since she was nine years old, the youngest swimmer to ever compete in the Andy Rooney meet.
In addition to Ada’ sand Hayden’s wins, numerous other members of their swim team NJRC placed among the top ten male and female overall swimmers.
More than 50 family members and friends turned out for watch the friends and club members compete for the top awards in both the male and female eventsl, and all decided their former swim coach was definitely present, in their midst and out on the ocean course.
The day started with a forecast for rain, and showers and at times a heavy downpour before the first swimmers were set to go into the water at 7:30. But showers that were coming down at 7 a.m. and threats of further storms abruptly came to an end before the 7:30 start, and all agreed “Amy had something to do with that,” Gill said.
“We are so grateful to Charlie Rooney and the entire swim meet organization that enabled us to give the Amy Lynn Gill Award at the event,” Gill said, “it is an honor we so appreciate and will be doing every year from now on. Our deepest thanks to all who made this possible.”
The Swim Meet coincidentally came within hours of what would have been Amy Lynn’s 50th birthday. The Gill family coordinated their celebration with the meet and held a Celebration of Life for Amy at the Proving Ground in Highlands the afternoon of the swim meet. More than 150 people turned out for that event, which also raised funds for the Amy Lynn Gill Scholarship for a graduating Raritan high School senior next year. Applicants for that award must be Raritan students, must be in the swim club and in addition to scholastics, must also donate 15 hours in their senior year to community service. This year’s Celebration of Life for Amy Lynn raised approximately $4,000 for the scholarship.
A “Live Like Amy” team was also put together for the Navesink 5K run scheduled for December with those proceeds also benefiting the scholarship fund.
“Both Hayden and I are so grateful to so many people,” Gill said after the celebration, “not only for remembering Amy in such warm and loving ways but contributing to a scholarship fund that will continue to help young people grow, maintain high values and know the importance of friendship. Amy’s legacy is truly overwhelming…she is missed by so many people.”
Read More Stories About This Amazing Woman … Amy Lynn Gill HERE
There was good and bad news from the Public Works Department at last week’s council meeting, Councilman James Murphy reported.
The bad news was the announcement that Niles ‘Jere” Stewart is retiring from the department in October. The assistant street department superintendent has been with the borough for 33 years and is most often recognized for his assistance in every storm and emergency situation, answering every call and task assigned. “Jere has been a valued member of the team and will certainly be missed,” the councilman said.
The good news is the department, under director James Phillips, continues to be the outstanding department it is, regardless of storms, sweeping materials, and grass and debris materials accumulated throughout the borough. The new buildings and grounds utility vehicle recently acquired were on display in front of borough hall during the July meeting.
The June storm created a significant amount of damage throughout the borough, Murphy said, and required a town wide brush pickup schedule to maintain neighborhoods.,Phillips set up and announced the schedule which has been completed. The department then used its sweeper to cover many roads in the borough prior to the Fireman’s Fair and July 4 celebration which drew many visitors. That brush, leave and log debris from the June storm weighed 630 tons, Murphy said, or more than 450 compressed yards.
Sweeping material collected during 2023 has been removed, totaling nine 20-yard tandem loads.
Murphy also reminded residents that grass clippings and other materials should not be blown into the roadways and urged residents to caution their contractors before any violations are issued.
The borough yard remains active for recyclables collection as well as a box for American flags past their prime. The flags are then properly disposed off through the local boy scout troop efforts.
The borough yard is open Mondays through Fridays from 6 a.m. to 4 p.m., Saturdays from 6 a.m. to 11 a.m. with special weekend hours for leaf and brush drop-off in November and December. Information on bulk pickup, brush, metals, electronics’ and other materials are listed on the borough calendar.
The Atlantic Highlands First Aid Squad continues to be an outstanding volunteer unit for the borough, Councilman James Murphy reported at the last council meeting. Their ‘new’ ambulance and record number of answered calls are evidence on a daily basis of the dedication of the men and women on the squad.
In his monthly report to Council, Murphy noted that in addition to their volunteer services for emergency assistance, the squad had installed a Little Free Library bookshelves at the First Aid Squad building.
The Little Free Library is an effort throughout the country to make books available to anyone at any time. Numerous little ‘bookcases’ are installed at various locations and everyone is invited to take out a book, put in a book and simply enjoy some reading. There is a similar little free library near the Seniors Center at the Municipal Yacht Harbor and other locations around the area.
The First Aid Little Free Library will have donated books as well as First Aid information available to all. More information on the program can be found at https://littlefreelibrary.org.
Murphy reported the squad was active and available throughout the Fireman’s Fair last week and managed a number of small cases of scrapes and bruises as well as two seizures and one electrocution emergency,
The Squad responded to a record 63 calls during June, the first time this has happened since June 2017. In both instances, Captain Lance Hubeny was chief of the volunteer unit.
The Squad has responded to 213 calls in the first six months of this year, Murphy’s report continued, in addition to another 40 calls during the first 11 days of July. “This is an outstanding response,” Murphy said in the midst of his report, noting it was made possible because of the participation of all 20 members of the unit.
It’s so easy to be happy living in the Bayshore, not only because of the beauty of the ocean, river and hills but also because of how kind, thoughtful and generous people always seem to be.
The Andy Rooney Swim meet is only one example of how close these communities and their people are. Teenagers certainly got to strut their stuff at that meet with so many entering into a competition that attracted all ages up through athletes in their late 70s.
What accomplishments. Charlie Rooney was so instrumental so many years ago in keeping alive what was originally the Andy Manning Swim Meet. It sprang back to life with his own hard work and that of others, and he did it in honor of his dad, the former Mayor who instituted the Swim in the first place.
Then the traffic along Shrewsbury Avenue in Highlands was literally brought to a standstill that same afternoon as so many turned out for the Amy Lynn Gill Celebration of Life honoring that late swimmer’s would-be 50th birthday. Her husband Brian got it right when he said she indeed left an overwhelming legacy.
Then at the Atlantic Highlands Council meeting, the well-known Zack and Morgan expressed disappointment but immediately had a solution for the problem they just encountered apparently caused by either a neighbor’s complaint or an over zealous code enforcement officer.
Regardless, they will appear to hear their case in court, and weren’t complaining about that. They simply wanted, in the meantime, to point out some very serious problems with the code under which they were charged . So they simply called on the governing body to review it and make changes.
The Mayor immediately agreed, and referred the directive to two separate committees to review and respond. Seems kind of ironic they were charged in the first place, considering this is a Tree City and more importantly, a National Wildlife Habitat community. One man’s weed may be another man’s flower, but both are vital to keep around and admire if we want happy birds,, honey-producing bees and a wonderful environment to surround us.
Then something else happened at the library, which always seems to be the site of so many fascinating ideas and intriguing programs for all ages. A lady came in to sign up as a new member of the library but brought along with her a beautiful, arranged vase of flowers to display in the library. So she got to see first hand just how wonderful that staff is and the many resources this library branch has for fun and learning and left behind a beautiful sign of nature for all to appreciate and admire..
If you’ve been to St. Agnes or Our Lady of Perpetual Help Church, in the past couple of weeks, you’ve already seen how wonderful, friendly and ever smiling the new pastoral assistant, Father Thomas is. He’s also a walker, it seems, and thinks nothing of an evening stroll between Atlantic Highlands and the Captain Azzolina Bridge, with a stop in downtown Highlands to see how friendly those folks are as well.
Overall winners in the male and female Andy Rooney Swim Meet Saturday were both 14 year old athletes in Sea Bright Saturday. Watch the video HERE
Santiago Masson of Wall took the men’s award and Ava Addotta of Atlantic Highlands won for the women in the one mile swim.
With 104 participants in the one and two mile ocean swims in the Andy Rooney Ocean Swim Meet, Massone’s time was 21:50, 36 seconds in front of second place finisher in that competition Daren Chen of Belmar.
Addotta’s time of 23.14 was one minute and two seconds faster than second place finisher Kylie Newton, a 16 year old swimmer from Spring Lake.
Liam Gallagher was first place finisher in the two mile ocean swim, finishing the course in 22.38, with Andrew Robinson of Neptune City placing second with a time of 23.55.
Nancy Steadman Martin, a 70 year old athlete from Oceanport, finished first for women in the two mile ocean swim with a time of 25.26, besting New York swimmer Emma Hansen whose time was 27.40.
Swimming in wetsuits, John Palmer took first place in the one mile swim in 30:35, followed by Howard Ross in 25:09. In the two mile swim in wetsuits, Max Betz placed first in 1:06.45 and John Crowley second in 1:07.40. Christian In Cremona was third in 1:23.47.
Many of the swimmers compete regularly in a series of swim meets throughout the tri-state area. The next swim in New Jersey is in Manasquan on July 20, with other swims also in Sea Isle City and Avon. On July 27, there are meets in Spring Lake, Ocean City and Barnegat Light, and another one in Avon on July 28. Locally, there is a swim meet in Long Branch on August 4. All of the swims are one mile distance, with the Andy Rooney Swim the only one offering both one and two mile distances.
Charlie Rooney, who also swam in the two mile meet, presented awards with Hayden Gill following the Andy Rooney meet, named for two former mayors, Andrew Manning and Rooney’s father, who first started the competitions in the 1980s.
