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IceCure’s ProSense, Makes Sense

By
Muriel J. Smith
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Sense
This is the first in a series of stories regarding IceCure’s ProSense® and the FDA’sMedical Device Advisory Committee Panel’s favorable recommendation

Muriel J. Smith of Atlantic Highlands, who participated in the trial for cryoablation therapy eight years ago was one of four women who testified during the hearing Friday in Gathersburg, Maryland before the Advisory Committee panel of 19 voting members led by voting Chair Hobart Harris, MD, MPH of the Division of General Surgery, UCSF, San Francisco, California. The panel also included industry, consumer and patient representatives, and directors of the Food and Drug Administration from Silver Spring, Maryland.

Kenneth Tomkovich, MD

Dr. Kenneth Tomkovich, MD, Freehold Radiologist who participated in the trial for cryoablation and administered the procedure on Smith, is a board certified radiologist in Freehold. He is licensed to practice medicine in New Jersey and Colorado and is affiliated with CentraState Healthcare System and Penn Medicine Princeton Medical Center. He holds a University of Colorado Fellowship, Vascular and completed Interventional Radiology and Rutgers Health/New Jersey Medical School Residency, Radiology-Diagnostic in the 1990s. He has been practicing medicine for 30 years in New Jersey.

IceCure Medical Ltd.  developer of minimally-invasive cryoablation technology that destroys tumors by freezing as an alternative to surgical tumor removal, announced the U.S. Food and Drug Administration’s (“FDA”) Medical Device Advisory Committee Panel’s favorable recommendation with nine panelists voting in favor and five voting against the benefit-risk profile of IceCure’s ProSense®.

The majority of panelists voted that benefits of IceCure’s ProSense® System outweigh risks when used according to the proposed indications for patients with early-stage low risk invasive breast cancer with cryoablation. Three who voted against recommendation indicated they also would have approved it had the FDA applied adequate special controls.

“This is a significant milestone on the path towards the marketing authorization of ProSense® cryoablation for early-stage low risk breast cancer . I believe this is a critically important development for women seeking an alternative to lumpectomy,” said IceCure’s Chief Executive Officer, Eyal Shamir. “We expect the FDA’s decision, based on the Advisory Panel’s recommendation, in the first quarter of 2025. Our Unite Stat es sales and distribution team is ready to support doctors and patients in the event of a successful marketing authorization for ProSense® in breast cancer.”

The Advisory Panel’s favorable vote was based on the comprehensive body of data available on ProSense® as a treatment for early-stage low risk breast cancer, including results from the Company’s ICE3 study compared with data from the current standard of care, lumpectomy, as well as testimonies and input from a broad range of key stakeholders, including women with breast cancer and their family members, patient advocacy groups, doctors, nurses and researchers.

The Advisory Panel’s purpose was for the FDA to obtain independent non-binding expert advice on scientific, technical and policy matters related to the potential granting of marketing authorization of ProSense® for treating patients with early-stage low risk invasive breast cancer with cryoablation. The Panel included breast surgeons, interventional radiologists, breast oncologists, and representatives from the patient, consumer, and regulatory communities.  

The ProSense® Cryoablation System provides a minimally invasive treatment option to destroy tumors by freezing them. The system uniquely harnesses the power of liquid nitrogen to create large lethal zones for maximum efficacy in tumor destruction in benign and cancerous lesions, including breast, kidney, lung, and liver.

ProSense® enhances patient and provider value by accelerating recovery, reducing pain, surgical risks, and complications. With its easy, transportable design and liquid nitrogen utilization, ProSense® opens that door to fast and convenient office-based procedure for breast tumors.

IceCure Medical develops and markets advanced liquid-nitrogen-based cryoablation therapy systems for the treatment of tumors (benign and cancerous) by freezing, with the primary focus areas being breast, kidney, bone and lung cancer. Its minimally invasive technology is a safe and effective alternative to hospital surgical tumor removal that is easily performed in a relatively short procedure. The Company’s flagship ProSense® system is marketed and sold worldwide

Previous Stories on my Breast Cancer Journey HERE

 

 

 

Nersesian Goes to Washington

By
Muriel J. Smith
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Nersesian

Jennifer Takouhi Nersesian, the superintendent who has led Gateway National Recreation Area, including Sandy Hook for the past, 11 years, announced at the quarterly meeting of the Fort Hancock 21st century committee she is leaving this month to accept another position.

Nersesian, who brings 22 years of National Park Service leadership experience, has been selected as the next regional director of the National Park Service’s National Capital Region (NCR). Nersesian. She will begin her new role December 1.

“Jen’s leadership style and experience managing a complex urban park will be indispensable in her new role as regional director,” NPS Deputy Director Frank Lands said. “Forging collaborative partnerships, managing complex operations, and protecting natural, cultural, and historic resources are all skills Jen brings to the team.”

The National Capital Region comprises more than 79,000 acres of national parkland in the Washington, D.C., area including monuments and memorials, historic homes, Civil War battlefields, and natural areas. The region serves 55 million visitors annually with 1,100 NPS staff and 24,000 volunteers. NCR has a budget of $162 million and provides an estimated $3.4 billion in annual economic benefit to the District of Columbia, Maryland, Virginia and West Virginia.

“From America’s front yard and places where some of our country’s most defining moments happened to neighborhood national parks, National Capital Region parks represent the fabric of our nation and are integral to the daily lives of millions who live and work among them,” Nersesian said. “Preserving our history, providing spaces for people to get outside and connect with nature and each other — these are values that we can all come together around, and take on added symbolism and resonance in our nation’s capital. I’m so honored to have this opportunity to support and elevate this work.”

Gateway National Recreation Area is the largest urban national park and one of the most complex, visited and dynamic parks in the country. At nearly twice the size of Manhattan and covering more than 40 square miles in New York City and New Jersey, Gateway’s more than 450 employees welcomed approximately 8.7 million visitors in 2023 while caring for over 400 historic structures, including two National Historic Landmarks and nine National Register Districts; globally rare ecosystems and endangered species; more than 68 miles of paved roads, 45 miles of trails and sidewalks; 56 separate utility systems; 18 water access points, including piers, docks, and two commercial marinas; 20 picnic areas; four campgrounds; four visitor centers and numerous other visitor contact facilities. Nersesian’s management approach has included engaging partners, elected officials, government agencies, private industry, and the public in developing new robust strategies for improving the park experience.

Nersesian’s NPS career began as a Presidential Management Fellow with the NPS Pacific West Regional Office in Oakland, Calif. and as a Management assistant to the Superintendent and Chief of Public Involvement and Outreach Yosemite National Park, Calif. She served as superintendent at New Bedford Whaling National Historical Park, Mass., from 2009 to 2013 before her appointment at Gateway National Recreation Area. Nersesian holds a bachelor’s degree in Philosophy and master’s degree in Public Policy from Rutgers University.

A native of New Jersey, the superintendent has a master of public policy degree with a concentration in environmental policy from Rutgers.

Nersesian

Soaring As Eagles

By
Muriel J. Smith
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Eagles

Eagles Surrounded by friends, local leaders, relatives, and fellow Boys Scouts, Edward Joseph Stuart IV and Samuel Fung both were sworn in as Eagle Scouts during an Eagle Court of Honor held at the Knights of Columbus Council Hall in Freehold Sunday afternoon.

Both scouts are members of Troop18 under Scoutmaster Craig Billings.

Andrew Downey was master of ceremonies for the patriotic program, with SPL Michael Romero leading the crowd in the pledge pf Allegiance and Freehold Borough High School teacher Edward Gattsek played the national anthem.

Scout members with Andrew Downey leading followed the candlelit Trail to Eagle Boy Scouts take on their way to achieving the highest honor in Scouting, and the newly recognized Eagle Scouts gave their own Eagle Scout Minute in citing the people who have been role models and aides to them throughout their scouting careers.

Both Eagles received numerous awards from the Boroughs of Freehold and Freehold Township, as well as the Monmouth County Board of Commissioners and Monmouth County Clerk Christine Hanlon.

Freehold Township officials set aside an individual day that each Eagle is being honored in the township.

Freehold Council president Sharon Schutzer told the new Eagles “You give us hope for tomorrow,” and praised the scouting traditions and appreciation of all history. She particularly commended the Eagles for their Eagle project, with both of them making separate and independent major improvements at the Oakley Farm Museum. The Council president brought a photo of Elizabeth Oakley, the last inhabitant of the Oakley family who lived in the house because she said she was sure of the local leader’s pride in the work the scouts have done in preserving the historic museum and farm site. Ms. Schutzer said she was confident the late historic personage was present and proud of the Eagles’ work.

Edward’s project was preserving the agricultural history of the Oakley Farm Museum by researching and displaying information on more than 80 tools and implements from the 19th century, taking more than 2,000 hours to research, photograph, laminate and frame’ images as well as restoring display enclosures and creating a welcome sign for the Museum’s entrance. The Eagle is in the Global Studies magnet program at Freehold Township high School where he is a junior. He is taking an AP course in US history and Honors International Law and Human Rights. He is also in the school’s marching and concert bands. Edward is a member of the drama club and Order of the Arrow ceremonies as a Brotherhood member as well as a lector at St. Rose of Lima Church.

Samuel, for his project constructed a drainage ditch in front of the historic site’s woodshed and re-laid a walkway in the garden, using original bricks on the site. The drainage will reduce safety and structural hazards around the woodshed foundation and the walkway to the garden will enhance the overall appearance for visitors as well as generally enhancing the landscaping.

Samuel is a senior in the Global Studies program at Freehold Township High and has taken classes in AP Human Geography, AP Comparative Government and Politics, and honors International Law and Human Right. He is a percussionist in the marching band, a CPR-certified member of Manalapan’s Teen CERT, the township’s emergency response team as well as a Language Department Volunteer Supervisor at Monmouth Fidelity Chinese School in Marlboro.

The New Eagle Scouts with their Parents
Eagles Eagles Eagles Eagles

Demolishing History

By
Muriel J. Smith
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Demolishing

Demolishing In spite of a decades long fight to prove its authenticity and importance, despite being named by Preservation New Jersey as one of the state’s ten most endangered historic places, and in spite of very strong pleas from numerous descendants of families who summered there, the once-captivating Sandlass House at the entrance to Sandy Hook is on the list for demolition by the National Park Service.

That was the news at this week’s meeting of the Fort Hancock 21st Century committee when Gateway National Park Superintendent Jen Nersesian announced the park service has reached a conclusion after years of study, research and investigations by various historic offices in the Park Service.

Susan Sandlass Gardiner, one of the generations of Sandlass family who treasured the history of the former amusement park and summer go-to spot for New York and New Jersey residents seeking sunshine and relaxation during the summer months, was not present at the meeting nor was she notified in advance of the park service’s final decision. Upset by the news, but with determination in her voice when contacted after the meeting, Gardiner declined to make any comments on the action other than to highlight some of the history of the Sandlass House.

The Sandlass House in the background with the red roof

Though Preservation New Jersey was hopeful being added to its list could buy some time for Gardiner and her supporters to figure another option to present to the Park Service, she was not hopeful even then. “It adds more credence and credibility to our case, certainly,” she said. “It gives it more significance, but it can’t make a decision.”

In making the announcement Gateway National Recreation Area’s Superintendent Jen Nersesian praised the work of Gardiner and those supporting reconstruction of the Sandlass House. She cited all their efforts and research over the years, admiring their tenacity and determination.

However, she said the history of the building as researched by National Park Service in relationship to its importance and relevance to the national park service, does not rise to the level for historic preservation. “So the building will be demolished,” the superintendent said.

There were no indications of when demolition would take place or what use the piece of land on which it was built will be used.

The Highlands Beach Resort was built in 1888 by William Sandlass Jr., who leased the land. The Highland Beach Gravity Railroad, one of the first roller coasters on the East Coast, was the initial attraction. The house was built five years later and was built from the frame of the disassembled roller coaster.

In 1910, a merry-go-round, pavilions, restaurants, bars and storefronts were all part of the development, and the recreation resort was attracting as many as 20,000 people per day at its peak.

When the land south of Fort Hancock to the Highlands Sea Bright Bridge, now the Captain Joseph Azzolina Bridge, was designated as a state park, the resort was seized through eminent domain. The family was eventually paid $350,000 for the house, land and other buildings in the resort.

In 1979, the National Park Service took over all of Sandy Hook, including Fort Hancock and the Sandlass property, as part of the recreation area. For a while, the House served as a base for park rangers who also served as caretakers. The ranger-tenant policy ended in 2012, four months after Superstorm Sandy had also inflicted considerable roof damage to the house

The building has been unused, empty and deteriorating since then.

Gardiner, who grew up there until her family moved in 1963, had been seeking to have the Sandlass House made part of the leasing program and was supported in that quest by Preservation of New Jersey.

While Nersesian admired all the efforts, she pointed out that the house does not have the national historic recognition required in order to be preserved by the Park Service.

Demolishing Demolishing Demolishing Demolishing Demolishing Demolishing Demolishing Demolishing

Lost World War II Aircraft

By
Muriel J. Smith
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World War II

Joe Fiorentino, a member of the crew and historian who researched the history of the World War II training flights in New Jersey, will present a program on the first dives in 70 years to an underwater site identifying the lost World War II aircraft in another in a series of programs at Bahrs Restaurant, 2 Bay Avenue, Highlands.

Fiorentino will speak on the captain and crew of the dive boat MAC which, three years ago, inadvertently ran across a wreck in 100 feet of water. In 2012 they revisited the site and found a World War II aircraft. Last year, the dive boat Constellation Captain Harry Roecker and his crew returned to investigate the aircraft. After three trips to the site, the aircraft was identified.

Joe Fiorentino

The program is sponsored by the Navesink Maritime Heritage Association, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to engaging Eastern Monmouth County with maritime and water related historical, skill building, environmental, and recreational activities, and encouraging responsible use of the Navesink estuary through its Discover, Engage, and Sustain approach.

The program is open to the public and interested persons can REGISTER HERE.

The Zoom link will be e-mailed on November 13 to all who register by 6 p.m. Nov. 13.

The program will be held Wednesday, November 13 from 7 to 8:30 p.m. preceded by coffee and cookies beginning at 6:30 p.m.

The program is available both in person at Bahrs as well as on ZOOM.

World War II

On the Roads Again

By
Muriel J. Smith
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roads

Roads While every evening I like to think of three things that made me happy that day…..and there are always so many more than three things…..

This week it is my 12 year old car that is thinking about three things that made it happy….Linden Avenue, Waterwitch Avenue and Bay Avenue in Highlands.

For the first time in more months than most of us can remember, all three county roads are smooth, beautiful looking, easy to travel, and so wonderful to ride!

It was the lack of bumpety bump noises that I noticed first….I thought something had happened to my engine. Then it was how smooth everything was…I thought the tires turned to skis. But in the end, it was just great efficient work by those doing the job for Monmouth County, getting it done, and finally opening the roads to once again traveling comfortably through the main streets of Highlands.

Everyone should stop into Highlands to feel how good the roads feel, to visit the shops and restaurants who have certainly been impacted by months of uncomfortable travel and difficult parking to access their businesses, and let them all know you haven’t forgotten them and are happy to be back on a more regular basis.

As for making me happy, there were several things besides the roads that made me happy in this recent trip to Highlands. Seeing the new gourmet grocer that had its official opening last Friday night is enough to make the most fastidious and creative cook happy. Seeing so many great things to eat and use in creative recipes right in the heart of the borough is one more sign Highlands is continuing to grow, to be interesting and to offer the unusual.

Stopping in the laundry, I learned a lesson from Sue, one of those hard-working women who keep the Highlands Laundry so clean and a fun place to go, even if it is to do laundry. When a client wasn’t sure of the size washer she wanted it was Sue who led her to the most efficient, and not the most expensive choice. She was right and the customer was delighted. When another customer was a bit sharp, rude, and not very pleasant to her, it was Sue who shrugged it off saying, “you never know what kind of day the other person is having. You have to think about that instead of getting mad or answering back.”

Taking a walk through Veterans Park brought back memories of some former residents who have made differences in Highlands, contributed towards it and truly loved the borough. Stop in one of these sunny days and think about the names and families memorialized on the benches that allow for enjoyment of a beautiful setting. There are veterans and politicians alike, families and individuals who are all still a part of the town’s happy memories.

Best of all, seeing how Highlands is working so well together and doing so much to help the folks in North Carolina devastated by the hurricanes, is a reminder that this has always been a town where neighbor helps neighbor and the stranger in the laundry or bar or coffeeshop becomes an instant friend,

All this and smooth roads too!

Roads

Kevin Ege Wants to Give Back

By
Muriel J. Smith
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Kevin Ege

“I have reached a point in my career where I have the time so I can give back to the community,” is one of the primary reasons why Kevin Ege is seeking his first term on the Henry Hudson Regional Board of Education.

“I have a personal passion about school systems serving our children and leaving none behind,” he continued, to emphasize his interest in serving on the board.

Nor does Ege have any strong opinions on any issue under discussion, he explained, and promised to “have an open mind and make pragmatic decisions” once he is fully informed.

Ege is one of four Highlands residents seeking the two one-year terms open in Tuesday’s election. The three others seeking the two members voters can choose are Gena Melnyk, Allison Burel and Don Krueger.

The Virginia born resident, born and raised in the Virginia Beach area, graduated from Virginia Tech with a degree in biochemistry and worked in the water treatment industry for nearly a decade. He then attended Wake Forest graduate school and turned to banking for his profession. He has been working in that field for the past 23 years.

Ege, who lives on Portland Rd and has been a Highlands resident for three years, said he is not a member of any clubs or organizations, preferring instead, to focus solely on his career . He and his wife, Elizabeth, have two grown children, a married daughter living in New York and a son nearing graduation from Marist College.

The family chose to live in Highlands because they were drawn to a community similar to their growing up years. After living in California, North Carolina Virginia and Glen Ridge, NJ they wanted to live by the beach once again after their children were grown. Ege’s primary hobby is surfing, a skill he has been enjoying for 45 years, and Highlands offered opportunities so he could continue to enjoy that, he said.

Although he has never run for any office before, Ege is drawn to serve on a board of education because he feels that it is the area in which he can best serve his community.

He has not attended any board meetings, candidly admits he is not aware of all the issues or reasons for opinions on any of the school matters under discussion, but will listen to everyone and gather as much information as available before making sensible and realistic decisions.

On the subject of regionalization with Sea Bright, Ege said that while he does not know all the details, “if it makes sense from a financial standpoint, children of Highlands and Atlantic Highlands can benefit and it’s the right decision for the Sea Bright children, I would be all for it. “

Looking at the overall picture on regionalization, Ege pointed out it is challenging since there are many nuances to understand in order to make an informed decision. He believes a community school can benefit from parental involvement, and said on the surface it appears the tension he has seen around regionalization and schools below peer schools are the major problems facing the district now citing how parental involvement could be beneficial.

” I need to understand the nuances around regionalization and the cost or benefit of staying involved in a legal fight concerning the Sea Bright issue, “Ege said. He pointed out as examples test scores, which typically are influenced by school administration (including teachers) and parent involvement. That can be pulled in by a sense of community and openness from the board and administration encouraging involvement, he explained. “School administration needs the right focus, namely our children as well as continued professional development for the front line teachers.” 

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Independent Thinkers or Yes Men, YOUR Choice

By
Muriel J. Smith
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Independent Thinkers

Independent Thinkers When it comes to the November 5 election to the Henry Hudson Regional Board of Education, let us cast the mudslinging aside and get down to facts supporting why it is crucial for Highlands taxpayers to elect candidates from Highlands who have not served on the transitional board for Henry Hudson Regional School Board (HHRSB) seats.

While there are undoubtedly educational issues to address along with unusually large numbers of staff who have left the district, as well as a significant drop in student enrollment, this article will only address the onerous financial issues that affect all taxpayers and that must be considered when voting for the board of education to its first term.

For background and a clearer understanding: The School Board currently in place is the Henry Hudson Regional PreK-12 Transitional School Board. This Transitional Board is comprised of three members from each of the now defunct Atlantic Highlands Elementary, Highlands Elementary, and Henry Hudson Regional School Boards. They were chosen among themselves to serve on the transitional board, not by any election.

Being an elected representative on a school Board may sound tame. One meeting a month, attendance at many extraordinary school events and activities, and the opportunity to get to know administrators, teachers, and those individuals hired to represent the interests of the School Board on a deeper level. Sounds good, doesn’t it? And a nice volunteer contribution to the town.

Yet, like every elected position in town, state, and federal government, this one comes with a burden that requires the electee to always exercise due diligence in their decision-making. This duty requires the electee to represent every child, every wallet, and all the legislation in place to protect the interests of the students and taxpayers and the well-being of the school district itself.

Four Highlands citizens who were not members of the Transitional Board have come forward to serve on the elected board after the November 5 election. They are Three-Year Term: Suzanne Thomas and One-Year Term: Allison Burel, Regina Melnyk, and Kevin Ege

Here are some of the misguided, unresearched decisions made by the Transitional and former Boards of Atlantic Highlands Elementary, Highlands Elementary, and Henry Hudson Schools that demand new leadership willing to do the heavy work and have the stamina to stand up and question the decisions made by the Superintendent, her attorneys and others employed.

  1. Expansion of the Superintendent’s Contract to five years. The decision was made at the June 2024 meetings by the three soon-to-be dissolved school boards just days before becoming extinct. That was done, in violation of New Jersey Revised Statutes Section 18A:11-11 (2023)

A board of education shall not renegotiate, extend, amend, or otherwise alter the terms of a contract with a superintendent of schools, assistant superintendent of schools, or school business administrator, unless notice is provided to the public at least 30 days prior to the scheduled action by the board.

  1. Imposition of a funding formula for Atlantic Highlands and Highlands by Dr. Beams that only uses equalized Property Valuations and ignores enrollment. The result?

School Board Election

Highlands pays a whopping $9,546 more per student for the same education as Atlantic Highlands.

For the 2024-25 school year, the tax paid per total enrolled students in each town is:

Highlands             $32,951 each for a total of 273 students

Atlantic Highlands $23,435 each for a total of 445 students

Superintendent Tara Beams
  1. Older residents of Highlands speak about an uneasy relationship with Atlantic Highlands in the past—one that has improved over the years. Sadly, the current funding formula, insisted upon by Dr. Beams, which heavily favors Atlantic Highlands at the expense of Highlands, is an injustice. Dr. Beams insisted that only she and the school boards can set a funding formula. This statement directly opposes the current Regionalization laws passed by the state, which allow municipalities the right to do so as well, If they are involved in the filing of the petition! Dr. Beams made sure that was not so in her quickly filed petition to go forward with just Atlantic Highlands and Highlands last spring, without consulting either municipality about the funding formula she installed in the petition.

Sea Bright:

  1. In an ever-continuing effort to keep Sea Bright from bringing their students and funding to the School Board, Dr. Beams allowed her Regionalization specialist attorney to meet with legal representatives from Shore Regional and Oceanport Schools; the result was devising a resolution that would set up near-impossible hurdles for Sea Bright, such as filing a sole petition to join the HHR School district – which is impossible. One cannot have a wedding with only a bride…This resolution was reconstructed to omit the most onerous details only after an injunction was filed.

In further evidence of Dr. Beams disdain for Highlands, the revised resolution was sent to the mayor of Atlantic Highlands. It was not sent to anyone in Highlands.

  1. Dr. Beams has repeatedly told everyone that uniting Atlantic Highlands and Highlands was STEP ONE – Sea Bright would be STEP 2. In September 2023, many voted in favor of Regionalization, believing their vote was for Sea Bright and Step 2. However, in the Spring of 2024, Dr Beams had her attorney tell Highlands and Sea Bright’s attorney the following with regard to pursing the steps needed to bring Sea Bright in: “Our client does not wish to file jointly at this point.” Things are very hectic now at the tasks of getting the new all-purpose regional district up and running.”
  1. Dr. Beams lives in Oceanport, a district whose taxes will go up to cover the $3,348,696 (for approximately 20 students) lost to Shore Regional and $779,420 (for approximately 20 students) lost to Oceanport when Sea Bright moves on. Dr. Beams Seemingly has a conflict of interest

Where were the school board members from Highlands, especially those who wish to continue as members of the new Henry Hudson Regional PreK-12 School Board?

While they are well-meaning people who want to contribute, they have listened without reading or researching to ensure each member gave their best efforts to their towns during these critical times and to the Superintendent they employed.

How could anyone who can do math accept the formula given, which did not include enrollment? Particularly any whose career is involved in finance?

No state-funded studies employed equalized property valuation as the sole criteria . But now, Highlands is stuck with dwindling school enrollment and rising property values, which will ensure that those taxpayers carry an unduly heavy financial burden going forward.

Highlands needs school board members who know what has happened, and are prepared to stand up, question, research and make decisions that consider every facet involved going forward.

Highlands needs new School Board members who understand and practice the fact that “ their role is not to simply say yes….”

Independent Thinkers Independent Thinkers Independent Thinkers Independent Thinkers Independent Thinkers Independent Thinkers Independent Thinkers Independent Thinkers Independent Thinkers Independent Thinkers Independent Thinkers Independent Thinkers Independent Thinkers Independent Thinkers Independent Thinkers

Hey Don The Public Has a RIGHT to Know

By
Muriel J. Smith
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RIGHT to Know
Donald H. Krueger

If there’s any one very serious problem to take from Henry Hudson Regional Board of Education member Don Krueger’s nearly 1,000 word comment on a VeniVidiScripto.com story this week, it is that in spite of his education, his experience, and his years on the Board of Education, he has not yet learned that the public not only has the right to know, but elected officials’ have an OBLIGATION to keep the public informed.

To discuss issues and actions in private, then act and say differently from how the board member might really want to see happen, without letting the public know any of his ideas, simply so the board can keep a “united” appearance isn’t what any elected official is put in position to do.

RIGHT to Know
Donald H. Krueger

Mr. Krueger is running for a one- year term on the board to “finish the business” of regionalization as he has said in the past. But he takes issue in his response to the story on the group, Hudson Kids First, who are supporting the three Highlands candidates, Sue Thomas, Gena Melnyk and Kevin Ege and the two Atlantic Highlands candidates Justin Thomas and Richard Colangelo .

RIGHT to Know
Donald H. Krueger

Mr. Krueger doesn’t like that the letter he was addressing from Hudson Kids First, a group of individual citizens, not board members or candidates, said the current board members vote as a clique.

My questions is: How else can they, or anybody else describe a group of people when that group, at every turn, all vote the exact same way?

Nobody ever has a new idea or a new way of doing things?

Nobody ever has a thought of his own?

Don’t cliques always agree and do things their way. Isn’t the definition of a clique a group that does not welcome others?

These are taxpayers funds that are being spent for education. And these are parents’ children who are educated with this money.

So why are not discussions on how the money is spent made public?

Why cannot the electorate hear the discussions which take place….in private, which is contrary to the spirit of the law… so they, too, can understand why and how money is spent?

Doesn’t anyone ever wonder why, since they have been named the transitional board before the first board is elected November 5, everyone of the nine members ALWAYS votes the same way?

There is NEVER a no vote cast. It was the same on the three former boards on which clique members sat as well.

RIGHT to Know
Donald H. Krueger

Mr. Krueger explains that is because they discuss everything first, that the board members engage with the superintendent, consultants, attorneys “and others.”

But never with the people who elected them.

RIGHT to Know
Donald H. Krueger

Mr. Krueger explains that board members “ discuss these issues…among ourselves.”

Isn’t that a violation of the people’s right to know?

RIGHT to Know
Donald H. Krueger

Mr. Krueger actually put it in writing that the board members debate “behind the scenes!”

Isn’t that against the spirit and Legislative Intent of the Open Public Meetings Act?

RIGHT to Know
Donald H. Krueger

Mr. Krueger states that in public, they all vote the same way so they can appear “unified.”

That sounds scary.

Why is that so necessary and where in the law does it say it’s the right thing to do?

RIGHT to Know
Donald H. Krueger

Does Mr. Krueger have so little confidence in the people who put him in office that he does not find them worthy of knowing what the debate is about?

Or;

Why a board member might feel one way, but rather than stand up and have his own opinion, feels he has to put up a “united” front?

According to the New Jersey Board of Education, school board members are there to govern the school, to represent their community, to develop policies in compliance with the law, to see that the schools are well run, and through written policies provide guidance and direction to the chief school administrator for making decisions and taking action.

There is nothing in the law that allows for school board members to discuss how they’re going to accomplish all this privately, excluding the public, not letting then public see how they think , then vote all the same way just so it looks like they are united.

To Read the Entire Comment, Scroll to the Bottom of the Article HERE

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The British Brigantine Britannia

By
Muriel J. Smith
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Britannia Look for several stories in the next couple of weeks on the Middletown Chapter of the Daughters of the Revolution and their ribbon cutting ceremony held Sunday in front of the Seabrook-Wilson house, in Port Monmouth. But first it is important to see why it was such a wonderful ceremony and what an eclectic group of talented people brought together from so many different areas besides history.

It also showed how well the Monmouth County Parks System, which co-sponsored the event with the DAR , and many of the historic organizations and commissions in Monmouth County came together to learn more about this British ship from Revolutionary times that broke loose from its moorings and subsequently was captured by the Patriots, its huge supply of foods and other necessities apparently intended for the British on Sandy Hook or the many British defenders living in Monmouth County or the New York area then taken over by the Patriots.

Sponsored by the Middletown Chapter of the DAR, the official uncovering and dedication of a sign in front of the Seabrook-Wilson House…..those of us who have been around here a few years know it as the Spy House, now a wonderful museum run by the county Parks System…..looks out over the bay adjacent to Shoal Harbor where the ship was captured.

The Britannia was then towed by Captain Asher Holmes and his militia to Cheesequake Creek where the militia then unloaded it, guarded their prize, and received a portion of the sale of the cargo and ultimately the ship’s infrastructure.

But the DAR event itself was historic. Present and speaking at it, in addition to a welcome from DAR chapter Regent Michele Donnelly and a great explanation of the county’s resources on the Britannia, by Monmouth County’s Kristen Hohn, artist Steve Schreiber of Toms River was on hand to not only display this oil painting of the Britannia but tell the story of every detail within the incredible history in oils.

The Middletown Militia Secures their Prize, by Steve Schreiber.

Also on hand to give great explanations of how 18th century ships were built was Tom Ruggiero of the Ship model Society of New Jersey whose model of a brigantine let the audience of approximately 50 guests see the detail and intricacy that went into building the wooden vessels.

Bill Brown from the Model Ship Society was also there to answer questions and entice more interest in shipbuilding. There was even a great talk by Maureen Foster, a DAR member who wrote the story for the Monmouth Timeline and is the descendant of one of the militia men that started the research and was captivated by the Britannia story.

There was so much interest and so many questions for more information that even after the beautiful but brief ribbon cutting ceremony outside, the crowd went back in to enjoy light refreshments and learn more from each of the experts present.

It was a terrific group of people who not only love American history, Monmouth County’s role in it and the importance of preserving it and keeping others informed.

Check out the Britannia story article at https://monmouthtimeline.org/timeline/capture-of-britannia.

Britannia
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