It was 52 years this year since Dick Stryker served his first term as Mayor. It was the first time Atlantic Highlands had elected its mayor for a four year term, and the new and very popular Mayor laid out his plans for the future during the borough reorganization in January.
They all reflected the importance he felt for family, family life, and raising the borough to the high standards he felt it should be.
Stryker was elected in November, 1971 along with Gerald Kelty and John Phair to their terms on Council, giving the Republicans a majority on the governing body.
Stryker wasted no time in setting out his eight priorities, the first of which was cleaning up the “People pollution” so “Atlantic Highlands will be known for more than the town to go to see a dirty movie.”
Stryker was critical of some of the films shown at the First Avenue theater. But he also was concerned about a growing narcotics problem in town that was beginning to affect all towns, he said. So more of his priorities focused on making the narcotics board more effective and having it more in contact with the Monmouth County Narcotics Council.
Schools and the borough should work together, he also urged, and he was calling for the boards of education to work with the borough on school budgets. At the same time, Stryker wanted to introduce a new education program at the elementary school, one that would offer adult education after school hours primarily for parents.
As Chairman of the Harbor Commission and now as Mayor, Stryker wanted to abandon any ideas for a swimming pool at the municipal harbor, citing lack of space and too great an increase in traffic. He also wanted a survey of all the fire hydrants in the borough and a report on all problems so residents could feel more secure.
The GOP controlled municipal body also wanted to keep many of the same professionals who had been hired by Democrats, praising borough attorney Michael Barnacle, Borough administrator J. Leonard Clark, borough clerk Ruth Merker and borough court clerk Dorothy Davis among others.
That the Mayor was concerned about the showings at the Atlantic Theater was recognized in the ads for that were in advertisements in the same newspapers carrying his message to clean up the “people pollution.”
On the screen on First Ave for the week was “The Stimulators,” with the promo “Never has the theater shown a film of such visual and sensual magnitude,” describing the movie as “ a fascinating story of love.” It was playing with a second hit, “Touch Me,” in color, along with warnings viewing was restricted to those 21 years of age and older.
The annual Town Wide Garage Sale for Atlantic Highlands will be held Saturday May 4, with Sunday May 5 the rain date for the 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. event.
Residents wishing to be included in the borough map for shoppers, can submit a $10 check payable to the Borough of Atlantic Highlands to the doc-drop box at Borough Hall, prior to May 2. Check should be accompanied by a completed form available at borough hall to identify the types of items residents intend to sell at their address, ranging from appliances, furniture and decorations, through toys, jewelry, books, electronics and more.
Both Naval ships named after the State of New Jersey are making news this month as the newest is undergoing trials at sea and the older one is leaving the water for the first time in more than 30 years.
“As a crew,” said Captain Steven A. Halle,” we did some of the most complicated operations that submariners see in their entire career. The crew performed remarkably, and the achievements were recognized by numerous senior officials. Their hard work and sacrifice paid off and highlighted their amazing talent.”
The submarine spent two weeks at sea to test the boat’s systems and components. Tests included submerging the submarine for the first time and conducting high-speed maneuvers while on the surface and submerged.
The boat will be in the shipyard for several weeks before heading back out to sea for its next set of tests, including an Operational Reactor Safeguard Exam (ORSE) and preliminary weapons testing.
On Thursday, March 21, Battleship New Jersey (BB-62) will depart for historic dry dock maintenance for the first time in more than three decades. The Battleship, which is now a museum in Camden, will be guided by tugboats from McAllister Towing. She will be turned around, headed south under the Walt Whitman Bridge enroute to the Philadelphia Naval Shipyard at Dry Dock #3, where the ship was built during the late 1930s and launched on December 7, 1942.
The dry dock project is vital for the Battleship’s longevity, and government, military and New Jersey residents has expressed strong feelings that the most decorated Battleship in U.S. history deserves a proper sendoff to celebrate her decades of service.
The public is invited to join and honor her legacy.
See battleshipnewjersey.org/drydock for details on Dry Dock Guided Tours, a Departure Celebration on the Pier, a cruise with the Battleship on the Spirit of Philadelphia and more!
Taking a relaxing and enjoyable train ride between Newark and Palatka Florida simply for the fun of the train ride is well worth the trip, but meeting a resident of the town immediately after arrival is even better.
Arriving in this city an hour’s train ride past Jacksonville in late morning, it was surprising to see there was no activity at the small, attractive and historic rail station, no cabs, no Ubers hanging around, no busses, no people.
Walking into the station I got a first glimpse at the Browning Railroad Museum housed there before being greeted by one of the two employees seated behind a glass window.
Both were cheery, welcoming and eager to see what they could to do help a stranger. When I said I was after a cab or directions to the Crystal Cove Hotel, the smiling and bubbly lady, who I quickly learned was Teresa, mentioned the hotel was out of town, there wasn’t a cab right there in the station, but not to worry….she would drive me there!.
And so she did. Enroute to the hotel some few miles outside of town, Teresa shared some information about Palatka, and also noted there were two other hotels in town…”for next time you visit.” Both had great views of the St. John’s River, she explained, and one was right on the river. Both had restaurants either attached or nearby.
I explained the Crystal Cove Hotel was also on the river and she agreed, adding with a smile, “but the one in town has a prettier view!”
Arriving at Crystal Cove, I thanked Teresa for the ride and told her I was only staying one night. She suggested we exchange phone numbers and she’d be happy to pick me up when I was ready to get to the station for my trip back on Amtrak.
Thanking her once again for her generous offer and her friendliness, I handed Teresa $20. “Oh no,” she exclaimed immediately, “that’s way too much. You can’t do that.” I persisted, saying it was well worth it to me and I appreciated her immediate help.
After a few minutes, Teresa grudgingly accepted with the provision “ok, this will do for today and tomorrow. So you can’t give me any more money tomorrow for the trip back to the station.”
We laughed, we said goodbye, I entered the hotel and Teresa went on her way.
As I was signing in, I asked the clerk where the restaurant was. Just over there a bit, she responded. Then she added, “but it’s closed.” But when I asked when it would be open for dinner she responded, “Oh, it’s closed for months for renovation.” When I said that was never mentioned to me when I requested restaurant information before reserving, she explained reservations are made through a different agency, booking online, and “maybe they did not know.”
That was enough to let me know things probably wouldn’t be getting any better for the next 24 hours.
I called Teresa on the phone and asked if she could come pick me up. Without a question, she readily agreed and was back at the hotel within 15 minutes.
Getting back in her car, I briefly explained I wouldn’t be staying here and asked for one of the two hotels in the city. She took me to the Quality Inn and waited to ensure I had room.
We laughed, I thanked her, gave her more cash saying I still understand the ‘credit’ for the next day’s trip to the station, and we both went on our way.
Teresa was right about several things. The Quality Inn indeed was right smack on the gorgeous St. John’s River, right near a magnificent bridge reminiscent of the Captain Azzolina Bridge in Highlands on a larger scale, and my room was directly facing the river and a wonderful view.
And the Beef O’Brady restaurant located in the hotel was a few steps away, its windows also opening out directly on the Riverview.
Thanks to Teresa, I knew the rest of my brief stay was going to be spectacular, restful, and fun.
The coming spring season brings daylight longer in the day, warmer evenings for outdoor enjoyment, and the Prayers on the Porch hour that in the few short years it has been active in Atlantic Highlands has already become a tradition.
Tuesday night’s first of the season Prayers in the Porch was in a delightful front porch setting overlooking a starlit sky, deep woods and peaceful nighttime sounds. It was also filled with comfortable rocking chairs and close to two dozen men and women who simply enjoy praying together, sharing friendship and meeting new people.
It isn’t religion that makes Prayers on the Porch so successful; it’s faith. Those who attend come from all different religions, some sit quietly and listen to the prayers of others, others offer thoughts or ideas for all to dwell on. Some might ask for prayers for a particular personal need, an ill relative or a deceased friend. Some want to concentrate on a particular virtue that might be difficult to achieve, like forgiving a friend or loving an enemy.
There isn’t any leader elected to ‘conduct’ the prayer session; everyone can stand or sit and say whatever he wants, or simply sit quietly and listen to others. Some might want to tell a story of what brought them to Prayers on the Porch, others might wonder why they met some obstacles on the way to arriving, but all were grateful to be there.
It was former Mayor Loretta Gluckstein who started the monthly Prayers on the Porch on her own spacious porch overlooking Sandy Hook Bay, and since then, whether it is held in front of a church, on a lawn, or on Loretta’s or another comfortable porch, be it at a house on top of the hill or near the water, it is an evening of joy, peace, contentment and a friendly gathering of friends, neighbors, and strangers who soon became friends.
Prayers on the Porch is a wonderful idea for any town, it works beautifully in Atlantic Highlands. Each of those who attends is encouraged and invites others to join for the sheer pleasure of taking time from the stress and energy of the day to say thanks for the gifts of living in Atlantic Highlands, having friends, and having faith.
The next Prayers on the Porch will be April 9 at 6:30 p.m. With so many offers and invites to have it at their own porch, the April “Porch” location has not yet been decided. VeniVidiScripto will announce the location and the “Porch Prayers the first week of April.
You don’t have to be Irish to enjoy all the wonderful things that happen around towns in Monmouth County simply because it’s nearing St. Patrick’s Day. The Irish just seem to feel having a bit of laughter and fun in their lives is as essential as the beverages they’re always accused of enjoying too much. Everyone can take advantage of the Irish desire to share that fun with everybody.
Take the Irish Breakfast the Rev. Joseph Donnelly Council of the Knights of Columbus had at Our Lady of Perpetual Help Hall Sunday. Their monthly breakfasts are always something special, always at no cost, though donations are always accepted, and always prepared and served by a group of men who seem to enjoy everything they do for the residents of the Bayshore.
But for March, they put an Irish theme on the breakfast, and more than 100 persons turned out to show how much they loved it! In addition to that “Irish French Toast” there were the usual eggs, waffles, and meats, along with plenty of fresh fruit and juices. Kevin Connelly made some pretty outstanding Irish Soda Bread, and there was even clotted cream for the scones also on the menu. For the Irish breakfast, even the placements, napkins and plates were all shamrock filled and full of the map of Ireland. The Knights are a hard working group of men always eager to help those in need, but their breakfasts show they also know how to have a good time and engage everyone else in their fun and generosity.
Such will be the situation once again this Friday night when the Shore Casino hosts its annual St. Patrick’s Day celebration, complete with that terrific Irish band, the Irish Step Dancers, and kilt-wearing bagpipe players. With just a bit of persuading, owner Kathleen Sweeney will no doubt tell some stories about how St. Patrick’s Day is observed in Ireland, and some of the unique things she’s done on St. Patrick’s Day once she became a citizen here.
Call the Casino at 732-291-4300 now to make a reservation, or reserve on line at a link for the St. Patrick’s Day extravaganza
For Friday’s big event. Kevin Guerin and his Round the House Band will be there to provide a night filled with music, but Daly’s Irish Step Dancers will also present a program proving how very talented and swift-moving they are. Then there’s also the bagpipers with their own distinct sound and the Irish Buffet that only Kathleen’s Shore Casino can offer, with everything from Corned Beef and Cabbage to Irish Stew. There are even a few “American” dishes on the Buffet for those who don’t like to stray too far from the ordinary.
Doors open at 6:30 for the 7 p.m. event and cash bar. Get your own group together, call and make a reservation and see how great the luck of the Irish can be for a night’s entertainment and fun.
With an opportunity to take a train ride, relax, enjoy scenery, cities and towns in no fewer than nine states and the District of Columbia, it was too good to pass up. So, armed with a couple of books of puzzles and some great reading materials, I opted to take Amtrak’s Silver Star from Newark to Florida. Just for the ride.
I stayed one night in the Sunshine State after traveling on the Star and headed back to New Jersey the following day on the Silver Meteor. Taking these two trains makes it possible to see every state you pass through in daylight.
The Silver Star makes its trip daily between New York’s Penn Station and Miami, but it stops at least once in each of the states it travels through. In New Jersey, it passes Metropark without stopping, but does stop in Trenton before heading into Philadelphia’s Penn Station.
It isn’t necessary to get a sleeping car for this trip; the seats are spacious, the tops slide back, and there are a couple of options for foot comfort that make both sitting up or sleeping comfortable. In addition to the large windows, there are connections so charging electronic equipment while traveling is easy and convenient.
Like all Amtrak long distance trains, the Silver Star does have a dining car, and it’s fun sitting down after picking up your food at the counter and meeting and chatting with other travelers. With Tampa a stop close to Disney, there are usually plenty of youngsters on the trip, although moms and grandmoms wearing Mickey Mouse ears and bright colored bows in their hair are not unusual either.
The Amtrak menu in the dining car is quick, simple, and available for pretty much all of the awakening hours along the 1,522 miles between New York and Miami. It ranges from variety specialties to sandwiches, fruit or cheese trays, hamburgers, soups, hot entrees, and breakfast breads, muffins, and cereals. Spirits of all kinds are also available, and apparently, Amtrak doesn’t care if you carry on your own supply of both food and beverage because lots of folks do.
Train travel forces you to relax and take things easy, even though the train is traveling around 80 miles an hour and the engineer is hard at work. If you’re not reading, working crossword or Sudoku puzzles or chatting with table or chair mates, it’s well worth it to take in the scenery. Several stops along the way, including Baltimore, Washington, and Richmond, passengers are invited to go out on the platform and stretch their legs or for smokers, take advantage of an opportunity light up, since it’s not allowed on Amtrak at all.
This time of year, it’s easy and enjoyable to see when and where the spring season is starting, judging from the buds starting to pop, or, late in the journey, the bulb flowers starting to bloom. It’s also neat to see the sophisticated cities and state capitals, including Raleigh in North Carolina, Columbia in South Carolina and Savannah in Georgia, be it in sunlight or after dark, filled with both street lights and plenty of activity.
It’s even nicer to see the charming little towns you travel through, some with homes so close to the tracks you wonder how residents can sleep through the road crossing whistles. There are always youngsters eager to wave as you pass, and railroad buffs trying to get that spectacular photo for their albums standing way too close to the tracks.
Choosing to travel Amtrak only so far as Palatka, Florida, it was about a 22 hour trip arriving an hour past Jacksonville, which is the first stop in Florida.
Palatka is the county seat of Putnam County, renowned more for its annual Azalea and Blue Crab Festivals than any real beauty in its layout. A town like many others that was once far more popular, it’s hard at work picking itself up and becoming more beautiful once again, filled with parks, and magnificent murals on no fewer than 30 buildings.
Arriving there shortly after 9 in the morning, it was surprising there were no cabs, no commuters waiting for other transportation, no busses in the area at the historic station.
But there was a charming, happy sounding lovely lady named Teresa working in the station. She was only too willing to help a traveler who did not know where she was going or how she was going to get there.
The annual St. Patrick’s Day celebration at the Shore Casino will feature Kevin Guerin and the Round the House Band in addition to Irish Step Dancers, bagpipes and the typical and authentic Irish Buffet that is synonymous with the Shore Casino.
The event will be Friday, March 15 with doors open at 6:30 for the 7 p.m.. event
“When I am not in Ireland, I love bringing Ireland to Atlantic Highlands,” laughed owner Kathleen Sweeney, a native of Ireland who gained her American citizenship five years after moving here decades ago and has retained all her Irish charm ever since.
Sweeney, who has hosted numerous Irish events both at The Shore Casino and her former restaurant, the Casino in the Park in Jersey City, said popular attention and requests to continue the long time celebration of St. Patrick’s Day has convinced her the Irish celebration is the main event of the month for the popular restaurant, located in the municipal harbor in Atlantic Highlands.
The popular Kevin and the Round the House Band have appeared here many times in the past, she said, and once again the evening’s program will also feature Daly’s Irish Step Dancers, talented young dancers adept at the intricate and swift moving steps of old-fashioned Irish music. Guerin, who is the band leader for the Round the House Band, also plays the guitar and tin whistle.
As always, the Irish buffet will include corned beef and cabbage, scones and clotted cream and other Irish and American favorites requested for the sumptuous buffet table.
Tickets for the event, which includes the Buffet, entertainment and cash bar, are $65 each, and reservations are available on line as well as at the door, space permitting.
“You don’t have to be Irish to enjoy a St. Patrick’s celebration,” Sweeney laughed, “we just love to bring laughter, happiness and a good time to everyone.”
Further information is available buy calling the Shore Casino at 732-291-4300.
The link to register for the for the St. Patrick’s Day extravaganza
Democrats and Republicans … Politics and Politicians … in Atlantic Highlands they were far different in 1981 than they are today, according to daily newspapers from that era.
It was a time when the Democrats were so disgusted with the Republican control of the governing body their two candidates for the two seats to be decided in the November election dropped out of the race in the 11th hour, in effect telling the voters they did not want a bi-partisan form of government and would let the Republicans easily gain control of all seven positions, the six council seats and the mayoral post.
Democrat leader James R. Snyder said the actions of his own party “disgusted him” because of that response to the Democrat party attempt to keep a two-party system of government in the borough.
Republican Everett Curry was Mayor at the time, and the two seats held by Democrats John Kelleher and Herbert Moore were up for three-year terms in November. Both Kelleher and Moore indicated they did not want to seek another term. Robert Waldron, who had originally indicated he would seek election to one of the seats as a Democrat, also dropped out, with all three Democrats citing their own job commitments.
As a result of the Democrat action, when voters went to the polls in November 1981, Republicans Robert Abrams and Edgar Braun were on the ballot, along with independent Margaret Benson, a member of the Henry Hudson Regional Board of Education, with no Democrat hopefuls for the two council seats.
Snyder said, “this is a Republican town, there’s no kidding about it,” annoyed he could not find Democrat candidates to run for the two vacant seats. “They’ve been running the town for 75 of the last 80 years,” Snyder continued, “let them start cleaning up the place.”
So the Republicans did, winning easily over Mrs. Benson, polling 966 and 937 votes over her 401, with 58% of the registered voters casting ballots.
After the election Republican Jane Frotton was named to the vacancy created by Les Merker, who had resigned his seat too late to be included on the ballot, creating an all-Republican borough council.
The main issue facing voters at the time appeared to be “cleaning up First Avenue” and getting new businesses to open on the borough’s main street.
James Murphy is a gentleman. He’s quiet, rarely raises his voice, listens to people and goes out of his way to be courteous. All of that is his nature.
He’s also a Christian, brought up to believe in fairness, honesty, and always doing the right thing.
He’s also a councilman in Atlantic Highlands, the lone Republican on an all Democrat governing body; last year the odds weren’t much better, it was only Murphy and the Mayor who were Republicans.
As the lone Republican this year, Murphy rarely votes against the majority. He rarely speaks up about his own opinions, but rather it appears he goes along with some things he doesn’t like, but doesn’t find harmful, just not the best idea. He does that, it appears, because he knows his single vote wouldn’t change a thing, and he would rather weigh the benefits or deficits of challenging everything with which he does not agree.
But then James Murphy and Lori Hohenleitner, two dedicated members of the borough council, pitted themselves against each other in the last election, both feeling he or she would make the best mayor. Both campaigned long and hard, both made their positions known, both relied on the people of Atlantic Highlands to make their own decision.
When the votes were counted in November, the vote was close enough that Mr. Murphy called for a recount. The recount showed Ms Hohenleitner picked up yet another vote, but still only a handful ahead of him. She correctly was sworn into office and since then has been working tirelessly at her new post, and honestly admitting how much she enjoys being the Mayor of Atlantic Highlands.
But some where in the back, somewhere in the dark, there were some who had questions about the veracity of the election. There was talk about votes that weren’t counted, others that should not have been were. There was doubt in whether the electoral process worked correctly.
There was enough talk that it apparently made James Murphy think he should stand up and do something about it.
It appears that when it comes to something that’s really important, something that could impact the community, the entire county or even the state, if not the nation, James Murphy has shown he can stand up, take the heat, and do what he feels is absolutely right.
On Monday, March 11, there will be final written arguments with Mr. Murphy insisting and armed both with investigations and legal action, that there was something wrong with how votes were cast, counted, recorded, or something else possibly wrong with a system that gives people not only the right to vote but the right to expect their vote will count.
He has been strongly criticized for this, been told he’s tearing a small town apart, pitting neighbor against neighbor, costing lots of money. He’s taken it all silently. Mrs. Hohenleitner’s party has put out advertisements requesting for donations of up to $1500 in order to help finance her defense of her seat as Mayor.
Are we, in the United States, supposed to be such weaklings and such followers that we dare not challenge something we feel strongly is wrong?
Are we not entitled to use the laws of the nation that gives everyone the right to vote?
Are we not to expect that that vote is cast and counted correctly?
If that is the case, why even have laws?
Why even have Judges?
For that matter, why have elections, meetings, discussions or anything else guaranteed to Americans under the law of the land?
Aren’t we allowed to question when we feel or see that something is wrong with the election process?
It appears that by his actions Mr. Murphy is shaking the tree of justice. All should be appreciative of that.
Don’t both sides in this argument want justice to be served? Don’t both sides want the weak or rotten fruit to fall from the Tree of Justice? Don’t both sides want to ensure that EVERY election is fair and honest? Why would the either side fear questioning an election? Why would either party fear bringing questions before a Judge to ensure the system is working correctly?
After reading the final arguments she receives in court Monday, Judge Zazzali has her own decisions to make. She must decide whether everyone who cast a ballot did it honestly and correctly and had it counted correctly. She has to decide whether mistakes were made at several different levels. She has to make a choice on the best way to resolve any inaccuracies, mistakes, or improprieties.
If the judgment goes in Mr. Murphy’s favor, she then has to hand down a decision on how to handle and rectify what she believes has been unfair, improper or illegal for the voters of Atlantic Highlands.
Then what would happen?
Would the other side appeal that decision?
Would the same people who are charging that Mr. Murphy is tearing the town apart then challenge the decision of a Superior Court judge?
Would not that action tear the town apart even more?
Would either side have the energy to continue to work hard for the residents of the borough in municipal government?
These are the very same things they have accused Murphy of doing in the first place.
Would it be a different story if they were to appeal?
If the Judge rules against Mr. Murphy’s arguments, what happens next?
Would Mr. Murphy continue to serve his term as councilman and be able to work with a council overwhelmingly opposed to his ideas? Would he be able to continue to represent residents who have harshly criticized and mocked him for his actions in pursuing laws of the land?
Whatever the decision, let us hope it gets resolved quickly and all those involved are mature enough to swallow pride, accept justice and move forward continuing to participate in local government and keeping the needs of the residents uppermost in their actions.
It’s obvious both persons involved love their borough and want to participate in a major way in keeping it the wonderful town it is. Ms. Hohenleitner has shown in her brief time in the office she can take action, can make decisions and loves doing it. Mr. Murphy, by his actions in challenging the accuracy of the count, has shown he can take pressure and stand up for his beliefs in spite of personal attacks.
Let us hope all residents continue to believe in the United States government, its laws, its system of settling disputes and its guarantee that all persons have the right to dispute what they feel is wrong. Let us recognize that few of us have the courage to do something about it, in spite of criticism and fears of retaliation and should be recognized, if not praised, for being able to stand up and take the heat.
It’s courage, good laws, decent people, and understanding that are the foundation of America’s greatness.
