Elaine O’Brien, PD., MAPP, will be the featured speaker at the 8th annual Scholarship Luncheon sponsored by the Northern Monmouth County Branch of the AAUW on Wednesday April 17.
Dr. O’Brien, whose mission is to assist people in living a more positive and fruitful life, is a pioneer leader in physical fitness and an expert in the psychology of well-being and movement science. She is a strong believer that it is possible to live a life at any age filled with meaning, vitality and appreciation.
Dr. O’Brien received her Ph. D in Human Movement Psychology at Temple University and was one of the first 100 people in the world to earn a Master of Applied Positive Psychology (MAPP) from the University of Pennsylvania. Her work is believed to advance the role of the body and positive movement in helping people achieve mental health, physical fitness and positivity.
Dr. O’Brien’s work and expertise is used in various fields, including medicine, education, coaching, fitness, performance and business in addition to health.
The AAUW luncheon celebrates the 2024 Women of Achievement, Stephanie Cartier and Patty Whyte and raises funds for the Society’s Northern Monmouth County Branch’s scholarship and special programs for women and girls.
Reservations are offered at a discount price for the April 17 event, if made before March 22, reservations for the three-course luncheon, which is being held at noon at Beacon Hill Country Club in Atlantic Highlands, are $85. Reservations made after March 22 are $95.
Reservations can be made by calling 732-275-2237 or by visiting www.aauw-nj-nmcb.org
In addition to registering for the luncheon, guests can pre-order a copy of Dr. O’Brien’s book, The Power of Play: Optimize Your Joy Potential and pay for the book the day of the event.
Mayor and Council unanimously agreed at its meeting on the 8th to join with the Monmouth County Parks System to begin negotiations for purchase of the St. Agnes school property. Mother Teresa School
Monmouth County Parks Director Andy Spiers confirmed the Monmouth County Board of County Commissioners is in discussions with Atlantic Highlands officials, working out the details of a partnership that would preserve the former Mother Teresa School and the Charles J. Hesse III Parish Center/Gymnasium.
Spiers continued that “The site has been identified as an attractive location for a municipal recreation and community center to serve residents of Atlantic Highlands and surrounding communities. Negotiations on the purchase of the property from the Diocese of Trenton are ongoing.
The brief announcement at the Atlantic Highlands Council meeting came at the end of the meeting after council went into executive session for the purpose of discussing land acquisition. Just before going into session, Mayor Lori Hohenleitner announced that action might be taken.
Councilman James Murphy made the motion, obviously thrilled and pleased with the borough’s action in coordination with Monmouth County. It was seconded by Councilman Jon Crowley, then unanimously approved.
The matter of future use of the large expanse which includes the school building in a residential neighborhood has been ongoing since the school closed several years ago.
Somebody once said, “Family is like music, some high notes, some low notes, but always a beautiful song.” To singer musician composer George Markey, music is family, since it is the foundation on which generations of his own family were grounded.
Markey will be appearing in a special presentation of a Night on Broadway at the Shore Casino at the Municipal Yacht Harbor in Atlantic Highlands Friday, February 16 from 7 to 10 p.m.
But knowing something about the story of this musician’s life and the family history of making music a priority makes the musical night at the Shore Casino even more groundbreaking.
George has inherited musical talent from both sides of his family, at a variety of different levels. While he never had a formal lesson in music as a young musician, it was his grandfather who first introduced him to the beauty of music. Grandfather George was a well known and loved member of the American Guild of Organists, a graduate of the Curtis Institute of Music and an honorary Doctor at MacPhail College. He taught at Westminster Choir College and the Peabody Conservatory and was director of the Gilman Morgan School in New York. His wife Jane Page Markey was a renowned operatic soprano and young George’s mother was also a soprano who learned from her mother and passed lessons on to her son. It was George’s Uncle Don Demmert who gave him vocal instructions as well. He and Dr. Markey had met when both were musicians in a Jewish temple an Episcopal church in north Jersey.
The present day singer George Markey recalls now how he was his grandfather’s page turner and loved music and his ability to pick up instruments under his grandfather’s tutelage and make his own music. That was the beginning of a lifelong love of music and a professional career in it that has included everything from teaching music to special education students, private lessons for students of all ages, concert and nightclub presentations, and this weekend’s Night on Broadway at the Shore Casino.
Markey has earned his own series of awards and commendations during his career, including being nominated for numerous Count Basie Awards several years ago when he led the Colts Neck High School in music and vocal director for their presentation of Godspell. His students have been named Top of the Top performers for at least five different years as well as his awards for teaching numerous students who went on to win their own local, state and national awards in both vocal and instrumental music.
Outside of the classroom and on stage in numerous different settings across the united States, Markey continues to make headlines. He’s been in a vocal group sharing the stage with Larry Chance and the Earls, Lenny Coco and the Chimes, , Johnny Maestro, the Tokens, and the Manhattan Transfer to name a few.
As a singer, Markey identifies as a tenor. But he has a broad range of vocal talent, can tick off on his fingers the 11 instruments in plays, from flute and trumpet to guitar, violin, base, cello and of courses piano and can carry on banter and history as he introduces whatever blend of music he is presenting next.
He is quick to point out that while he loves every type of music his favorite is “the one the audience want to hear at that particular time.” “People especially like to hear songs and music they do not expect to hear,” he laughs, pointing out that even Broadway music has taken on a new meaning in recent years. And while he might sing popular hits from My Fair Lady or Les Misérables next weekend, , he is just as apt to burst into song from popular artists whose names have been made in recordings or CDs.
Many have compared Marley’s voice to Andre Bocelli and his Music of the Night brings listeners to their feet after his stirring rendition from Phantom of the Opera.
Markey also writes music and is currently working on a presentation of Joan of Arc. He is undecided if he will bring a second instrument to the Shore Casino Night on Broadway February 16, but if he does, it will most likely be a trumpet.
Married and the father of three children and living in Lakewood, Martey’s wife Sandra also has musical talent, singing soprano. She is a recipient of the Governor’s Sward for Vocal Music. George holds degrees from Thomas Edison College for classes he took on line in later years to compliment his natural talent and first hand lessons he had at his grandfather’s piano.
Reservations are necessary for the February 16 performance. Tickets are $40 each and include the evening of music and light snacks as well as a cash bar. Reservations can be made by calling 732-291-4300 and leaving a phone number for a call back confirmation of the reservation.
You have to love Kathleen Sweeney. The long-time owner of the Shore Casino in the Harbor at Atlantic Highlands has pretty well served, entertained, hosted and fed dozens of headliners from Presidents and professional boxers to movie stars and opera singers. Now she’s branching out once again and trying something new, different and exciting for the Shore Casino, a restaurant most known for being the celebratory place for generations of families for engagement parties, weddings, baptisms, proms and every other occasion special to a family…is going Broadway!
Now, in honor of her late son Jay Strebb, who also managed the Shore Casino after the death of Kathleen’s husband, Bernie, Kathleen is offering for the first time a casual night of outstanding music and an opportunity for friends and neighbors to simply sit, enjoy a few snacks, order a glass or wine or cocktail or two, and relax.
“Jay always wanted to have an evening like this,” the remarkably busy restaurateur said with her charming Irish brogue. “So on Friday, February 16, from 7 to 10 p.m. we’re going to do it.”
But Kathleen is going one step forward and getting one of the outstanding entertainers in the music world to be the focal point for the evening.
George Markey will bring An Evening on Broadway to the Shore Casino. His talent and personality will both be evident as he treats the crowd to a variety of music that might include anything from the Phantom of the Opera to the Sound of Music or any other tune that made its way to Broadway. George is so talented on the keyboard but it’s the range of his voice and the perfection of his tone that make him a standout anyplace he performs. He also teaches music at Asbury Park High School as well as privately so the Feb. 16 crowd looks like it will span generations and be treated to the best of all worlds.
Tickets for the night are $40 and there will be a cash bar. Reservations will have to be necessary, given the size of the anticipated crowd for a most unusual night. They can be made by calling the Casino at 732-291-4300, and being sure to leave a name and telephone number so they can be confirmed.
It promises to be a night to remember, a fantastic way to celebrate Valentine’s weekend, and who knows….it could lead to another spectacular celebration next month for St. Patrick’s Day.
“We will continue to move forward because that is what Amy would want.” That’s how Brian Gill summarizes his future as he greets the hundreds of people who will be paying respects and expressing sympathy today at Pfleger Funeral Home in Middletown before tomorrow’s funeral mass and burial of his wife of 18 years, Amy Lynn Gill.
This is the last in a series of articles giving some idea of what family, friends and co-workers of Amy Gill, feel and think following her death January 30 after an eight month fight with a rare type of cancer. Guests can visit Pfleger Funeral Home on Tindall Road, Middletown between today February 9, and attend the funeral mass at 11 a.m. Saturday. February 10 at St Agnes Church, Atlantic Highlands. Burial will follow immediately at Bayview Cemetery.
Brian is so appreciative of the families and friends who have helped him through the devastation of losing his wife and the mother of their daughter Hayden, and Amy’s stepson, Brian. The love and remembrances of a woman everyone says was as near perfection as a human being can be, They are able to laugh at some remembrances, tear up over other poignant thoughts and sob in pain at the stories he is hearing. Brian is grateful for all the opportunities it has given him to express his emotions, and he thanks so many for being the strength he needs at a difficult time.
Brian’s brother Tim, has lived in Florida many years, and keeps in touch with Brian by phone daily. He flew up for Amy’s funeral and to be beside his brother , reminding him of some of his own stories about his sister-in-law. His older brother Richard (Gitch) has always had a special relationship with Amy and respected the way she lived her life. Rich knew how thrilled Brian was when he married Amy, and in the years since, has known how incredible Amy is not only as the perfect wife for his brother, but as a wonderful sister-in-law and great addition to the Gill family. He agrees, just as their mother Judy said, “Amy is truly the puzzle piece that made the family whole.”
Brian tells the story of how they met. It was Amy who approached him at the old Claddagh Bar in Highlands one night many years ago and began talking with him. “She came over to me and we just started chatting,” and by the time the evening was over, “I know I had a great one.” So he got to know Amy Lynn. They were together for a total of 24 years and got married back on October 7,2006.
It has been an unbelievably happy marriage, Brian said there was only one time the couple ever argued. “I can’t remember what it is that we argued over,” he said, “it was probably something I did, or wanted to do which probably wasn’t a good idea.” The next morning, it was all over, it was forgotten, and our life continued as perfect as it had always been.”
Brian stated he would like to keep it simple. “She made life easy for all of us, she just always knew the right thing to do, the right thing to say, how to handle any situation. I knew I was fortunate; I knew how wonderful she was, right from that first night I met her at the Claddagh.” She just kept proving it through the years, he smiled.
Brian and Hayden, their 14 year old daughter, will make it through her funeral and work to continue to lead happy lives. That’s because, he asserts quickly, “she laid the solid foundation,” they will continue to build on as they move through life.
Brian said he will miss so much about Amy, Especially “her mothering….not only of Hayden, but of me . She always knew the right thing to do and did it for whoever was in need at any time.” And Brian added one of the many things he learned from his wife, because it was the way she led her life, is “compassion. I’ve learned to be more compassionate and also be organized because it works!”
There will be friends and family coming from throughout the United States for Saturday’s funeral. In addition to Tim and other family members from Florida, other friends from Arizona, California, New York, and as far away as Hawaii .
Brian said in gratitude and appreciation, especially for his good friend Vinnie coming in from Hawaii. Vinnie and Lea Allocca have five children, all under the age of 14. The Allocca’s always loved when Amy and the family would visit. Amy would be the live in nanny for the time she was on the island, and their children adored Auntie Amy.
Brian states “Who else has as great friends like I have?”
At the wake listen to the song playlist, you will hear songs chosen for Amy . You’ll hear what everyone in the room is saying in their own hearts, and Brian, Hayden, Amy’s parents, sister and brothers are feeling with great depth.
One song in particular Once in Love with Amy; the words tell the story… “ever fascinated by her….sets your heart afire, “doesn’t your heart go Boom, Boom, Boom.”
Once in love with Amy, always in love with Amy….
Those who know her are convinced the song was made to describe Amy Lynn Gill.
It is the same drive that led him to earn his Eagle Scout Award that is keeping Middletown Patrolman John Foy a dedicated and enthusiastic member of the police force.
That and a family sense of faith and tradition.
Foy, who is 21 and lives in Middletown, has been a police officer three years. It was his duty on the department that prevented him from attending the recent Eagle Court of Honor held by Boy Scout Troop 22 at Our Lady of Perpetual Help auditorium in Highlands last month.
Foy was one of two former members of the scout troop who earned their Eagle Award several years ago. However, because of Covid restrictions they never had the traditional and solemn Court of Honor to receive it. The other former scout, Kyle Otterbine, was unable to attend because of his duties with the US Marine Corps. Scoutmaster Dr. Michael Marchetti and the entire Troop and guests at the Court of Honor ceremony honored each of the Eagles in their absence.
Foy, son of John and Jeannine Foy of Port Monmouth, was raised in Middletown and attended St. Mary’s Elementary School in New Monmouth before graduating from Christian Brothers Academy in Lincroft. He was a member of cub pack troop 144 that met at St Mary’s, then moved on to boy scouting and Troop 22 which met in Atlantic Highlands and was under Scoutmaster Alan Resch of Leonardo.
Following graduation from CBA, Foy went on to Monmouth University for two years. It was while he was on summer break he learned of an opening for a Class 2 police officer in Middletown. He applied and after training at the Monmouth County Police Academy in Freehold, he was one of five graduates who was named to the Middletown Police Department as a probationary officer.
“I knew the excellent reputation of the department, the high standard level that was set there, and the respect residents have for the department, I thought it was an excellent opportunity or me to continue to achieve and at the same time help others,” the handsome, smiling and confident officer said.
But there was another reason why Foy felt he could become an excellent police officer. It was tradition in his family to always help others and do the best they could in some form of civilian employment. His father, John, is a retired police detective in Jersey City and his mother is a retired Captain with the Bayonne Police Department. In generations before him, other ancestors also served in both the Jersey City fire and the police departments, and throughout his life he had been taught how important it was to always reach out to help others in the best way possible.
Foy has many fond memories of his years in boy scouting, laughing in telling of his first camping experience and the challenges it created. “It was winter, we were in Quail Hill, it was raining, then sleeting, then snowing, then freezing……it was not a joyful experience, and did I want to go home? Yes! But I did not,” he said, laughing once again at his own memories. “But do you know,” he continued, “once that weekend was over, I kept thinking how much fun it was, and I looked forward to every camping trip from then on. I was doing something that most kids weren’t getting to do, and I enjoyed it.”
While in scouting, in keeping with his sense of helping others, the teenager chose as his Eagle project to renovate the statue of Mary, the Mother of God, that is a focal point in front of the Knights of Columbus building in Port Monmouth, at the intersection of Palmer Avenue and Route 36. With what appears to be his inner desire to always do a little better than he thinks he could, the scout also took on the challenge of installing a light on the statue as well as on the American flag over the building. That required calling in both his father and a friend, an electrician, who could do the electrical work. “But I dug the trench,” the officer laughs, remembering the length and depth he had to dig to ensure safety. Add to that the renovation to the statue and the creation of a garden around the statue, Foy led his team of a couple of younger scouts, his father and the electrician to complete the requirements of the scout’s highest honor. He had already earned numerous scout badges in addition to those required for the award and looks at his scouting experience as one that both humbled him and strengthened the values he had learned at home.
Today, after a little more than a year in the department, Ptl. Foy feels he has made the right choice for a lifetime profession and realizes his work as an officer “gives me the opportunity take my turn at helping others. I have a good sense of purpose and I am fortunate to be on a department with such exacting standards, such values and such rightfully earned respect.” He also takes delight that he is continuing in the tradition of ancestors on both sides of his family.
He does have ambition, though, he admits. It is the same ambition he had as a member of Boy Scout Troop 22. “I just want to keep getting better as what I do,” he said after serious thought. But laughing again, he added, “I want to keep getting better as an officer, and one day…and I know it will be years from now, I want to be promoted, maybe to sergeant.” It’s a goal, he said, but in the meantime,” I’ll continue to do my work every day and know that I am able to help others.”
Ptl. John Foy is an Eagle Scout who recognizes his own standards and dedication to helping others.
Strength. Faith. Family values. These were all part of Amy Lynn Gill who died January 30 at the age of 49.
She exhibited each of these qualities throughout her life, recognizing them as gifts from not only her parents but her grandparents as well.
Amy was part of a family that believes in togetherness, helping each other, laughing and enjoying life, but always doing something for others. She inherited so many of the characteristics of her maternal grandparents, the late Norma and Frank Bondy, and her paternal grandparents, the late Norton and Joan Smith of Atlantic Highlands.
But even more, she learned from the lessons and lifestyle of her parents, Dan and Judy Smith of Leonardo and was raised in an atmosphere of strong faith and an inherent desire to always be helping someone in need.
Amy Lynn Gill of Locust passed away January 30 after an eight-month battle with a rare form of cancer.
A memorial service will be held at Pfleger Funeral Home, Middletown on Friday, February 9, from 4 to 8 p.m. Her funeral will take place Saturday, February 10 at St. Agnes Church, Atlantic Highlands. A burial will follow immediately at Bayview Cemetery in Leonardo.
This is the fourth in a series that is being posted this week in VeniVidiScripto featuring stories of Amy’s life and the impact she had on all who knew her, as well as the lessons they have learned from the life she led.
Amy’s mother Judy was at weekday mass as usual the morning after Amy died, her unwavering faith carrying her through the pain of losing her daughter. However, she smiles broadly when describing Amy, one of the Smith’s four offspring, remembering her smile, her laugh, and all the trivial things that made her so perfect. There is so much about Amy that Judy will miss, and the ache will always be there. But it’s her hugs that the broken-hearted mom will miss the most.
Amy’s dad Dan said what he will miss the most is “Amy just walking in unannounced, and calling out Hiya, Dad!” The proud father concedes that indeed, “She was a handful as a youngster,” but he’s quick to add, it wasn’t because she was bad…” just active, energetic, ready to take on anything and everything.” She liked a fun time, he recalls, laughing, “she had lots of friends, loved parties, and liked going places and doing things.” But Dan chokes up a bit when asked what he has learned from his never stopping daughter. Thinking a minute, he said, “I’ve learned how to forgive my kids, to be confident in them, to overlook what they do wrong.” Then he adds, softly and with certainty. “They’ll appreciate it.”
When Amy and Brian Gill married, it was another Judy, this time her mother-in-law. Judy Gill, who got to fall in love with Amy. Preparing for the funeral, Judy remembers so many wonderful things about her daughter-in-law, and tries to sum it all up simply by saying she was “the perfect puzzle piece, she simply fit into the family and made it all perfect. She completed us.” Judy said Amy always did everything well, whether it was helping others, playing crazy games, or caring for her family. “There was nothing not to love about her,” she said, a bit surprised anyone could think anything different. “She was just beautiful,” she said, in every way. “She was my go-to person for anything.”
Brian brought his teenage son Brian into his new family when he and Amy married, and Amy wrapped another Brian with her love and care as only Amy could do. Now married to Lauren, the couple have three children Decklyn, McKenna and their youngest son Owen, who was born August 31. Recalling Amy going to Riverview Hospital just so she could hold and cuddle her newest grandson right after he was born is one of the memories that helps the new father Brian assuage his grief over losing his stepmother. “She was just such a great grandma to both my daughters,” Brian said, “she was just a sweetheart. She was simply Mimi to the kids, the Mimi so full of love and happiness. She was always there to help us out. Both Lauren and I knew we could call on here at any time and she would be there.”
When Decklyn was in a Christmas play at St. Agnes School in December, Amy was there for her performance, in spite of her own weakness from the cancer she had been fighting for seven months. And Saturday, the day Amy’s funeral mass will be offered at St. Agnes, is also the same day Decklyn will be receiving the second sacrament of her life as she receives First Penance in the same church.
Amy’s siblings agree on Amy’s never ending store of love for everyone. Today they draw strength from their sister by sharing some of the stories of their youth, some of the impishness of a sister who always seemed to have everything under control. Her brothers Mark and DJ and her sister, Lisa can laugh even while mourning thinking of all they have shared not only in childhood but also as each married and raised children and expanded their families for another generation of children who will be surrounded with the same love that Amy always exuded. DJ and his wife Andrea, together with their children Elia, Nate and Cami, and Mark and his wife Terezia with their children Jackson, Lucas and Montana, as well as Amy’s sister Lisa and her son Julian all accept but grieve over the bright one in their midst who always knew the right thing to say and the best way to be not only a loving sister but a close friend to all.
DJ holds his younger sister Lisa’s hand as they volley back and forth with stories about the sister who always took charge, who always was boss, in spite of having two older brothers. Their words simply spill out when asked how Amy impacted their lives, both naming little occasions when Amy just knew the right thing to do and did it or gave the right advice when asked. They agree she was always the Go To person for everyone, a friend, relative, child in the classroom, or even a stranger.
Kind. Considerate. Loyal. Funny. Each one describes Amy Smith Gill to all of her family. But genuine says it best.
Read more stories on the life of this amazing woman, Amy Gill
Doctor James White is a Doctor of Education and a teacher in the Hazlet school system. He and his fellow faculty members have their own special memories of Amy Smith Gill, the 49-year-old Special Education instruction at the Middle School who died earlier this year.
Amy Lynn Gill of Locust passed away January 30 after an eight-month battle with a rare form of cancer.
A memorial service will be held at Pfleger Funeral Home, Middletown on Friday, February 8, from 4 to 8 p.m. Her funeral will take place Saturday, February 10 at St. Agnes Church, Atlantic Highlands. A burial will follow immediately at Bayview Cemetery in Leonardo.
This is the third in a series that will be posted this week in VeniVidiScripto featuring stories of Amy’s life and the impact she had on all who knew her, as well as the lessons they have learned from the life she led.
Amy taught special education in the Hazlet school system for more than 20 years, as well as being a swim instructor summers, always exhibiting the same patience and understanding of how each child learns regardless of whether it was in the classroom or in the pool.
For Dr. White, Amy was a teacher who “taught all the little things in her little way,” resulting in students who were given extra special attention, obvious love, and a solid foundation on proceeding further in their lives.
English teacher Carolyn Carey of Middletown and special educ instructor Christina Drennan of Tinton Falls agree. All know that being a special education teacher takes more patience, more understanding, and more dedication than many other types of teaching. Amy had all of those, they all agreed, and added so much love on her own to make it perfect.
“She was always so wonderful, so hard working, and so scheduled,” Dr. White recalls, thinking back over the years he taught in the same school as Amy. He recalls in particular the little things that were important to Amy, like thanking a child for doing something special, complimenting one who had completed a difficult task, simply appreciating everything about each individual. “It was just her little way,” the educator said, “and everybody knew her and loved her.”
Dr. White said he was most impressed by a teacher, even though he always knew she was great when he had to cover her class one day. And “in watching her, I was amazed because I don’t know how she did it. But there was never a second she left any one of her students unattended. “She could glide through the room.” He smiles for a second in thought, then adds, “she was rather like a sheep dog, she could herd her little ones into a protective group and mantle them with affection and care.”
That is not to say she couldn’t be tough as well,” he added quickly with a smile., “She knew the importance of discipline and she carried it out fairly and in a way that helped a child to understand and profit from the interaction. And she could still do it all with a smile.”
Carolyn taught with Amy for 24 years, building a friendship that was both warm and uplifting.” I remember always admiring her, thinking I could never be that good, I could never be able to accomplish what she does every day. I am so blessed to have known her, and I have learned so much from here. I now know I am so lucky to have known and learned from her. And in her death, I also have learned, and will practice, to never take any day for granted. Nothing is guaranteed.”
Christina recalls it was Amy’s prodding that kept her in the education world. “I almost quit after my first year,” the popular English teacher said. “But she prodded me, told me to get to know my students better, told me I would appreciate not only them more but the work I was doing with them. She taught me the importance of being a role model and a part of a child’s life in the classroom.” I’ll keep those lessons forever, and I am certainly glad she prodded me into staying in the teaching field.”
All three recall that Amy was Teacher of the Year, not once but twice. And if they had their say, she is Teacher of the Year every year. “It was a standard joke,” they all chuckle, “as soon as the news would come out who was that year’s teacher of the year, we would all laugh and say, “it doesn’t matter who it is….we all know that every year it should be Amy Smith Gill.”
They were known as the Fab 4, these four well-educated, fun-loving lifelong friends. Three of them always looked to the fourth, Amy Smith Gill as the team leader – the one who would set up the get-togethers, plan the birthday dinners, solve all their problems, wipe away all their tears and always be there for whatever they might need.
Amy Lynn Gill of Locust passed away January 30 after an eight-month battle with a rare form of cancer.
A memorial service will be held at Pfleger Funeral Home, Middletown on Friday, February 8, from 4 to 8 p.m. Her funeral will take place Saturday, Feb. 10 at St. Agnes Church, Atlantic Highlands. A burial will follow immediately at Bayview Cemetery in Leonardo.
This is the second in a series that is being posted this week in VeniVidiScripto featuring stories of Amy’s life and the impact she had on all who knew her, as well as the lessons they have learned from the life she led.
The three living members of the Fab Four shared their thoughts and love of Amy in the days following her death at Sloan Kettering Hospital in New York, the friends vying with each other amid tears and laughter to tell their favorite stories about a woman who has impacted so many lives in her short 49-year lifetime.
Staci Gilchrist of Atlantic Highlands has been friends with Amy since the two were classmates in kindergarten at St. Agnes School. Today, Staci, who is General Manager at The Proving Ground on Shrewsbury Avenue in Highlands, described Amy as “My Person,” the one person who was always there – no matter what. The one who has been by her side from childhood through now. The one who could be strong when needed, gentle always, but firm in her resolve to do everything right and be there for everyone.
Like Staci, Jen Kuhlman of Atlantic Highlands and Jodi Moylan of Middletown recall fondly all the “things we all did together. We were all so different,” they laughed, “it was like we had nothing in common, yet we all blended so well. And Amy was always the glue that held us together.”
The group was planning a trip to New Hope this month for Staci’s 50th, but now they will be remembering Amy at her funeral mass instead. And they’re not sure whether the three will get together for that party that Amy spearheaded. They are however planning to celebrate Amy and Jen’s 50th birthday at The Proving Ground on July 13! We will remember her and how wonderful she was and how much she is missed. Whatever we do, they agree, “it won’t be the same.”
Kelly Mendez of Middletown has been friends with Amy through those grade school days at St. Agnes as well as high school at Mater Dei. They were each a bridesmaid at the other’s wedding and today Kelly says she is the one who feels so fortunate for the friendship. She feels sorry for people who cannot have the strength and joy that comes from friendships that spring up in childhood and continue to grow through life. But Amy was even more unique, Kelly said. “She was unconditional. She set the bar for friendship.” A nurse with a degree in nursing, Kelly works for a pharmacy in Middlesex County administering nursing procedures in private homes.
Heather Stockman of Leonardo and Amy Gill have been friends since their younger days and Heather said the duo liked each other immediately and kept up that friendship from the first day they met. Heather is struck by Amy’s thoughtfulness and concern for others. Her memories are like Staci’s, in that Amy was a most unique person filled with more inner beauty and outer strength than anyone else she has met.
It was during her final days that Heather was especially impressed by her friend’s thoughtfulness. “She knew she was dying, she had some rough days, but there was the day she was alert and so aware of everything,” Heather recalled. That was the day that Amy, in her hospital bed, got on the phone and talked to her friends saying her own goodbyes in her own way. But that wasn’t enough for Amy, Heather continued, “she told me to be sure to say goodbye to everyone for her, ‘just in case I forgot anyone.’ “
Staci talked to Amy on those last days as well, and remembers Amy was unafraid facing death, explaining to her close friend she was ready for whatever was ahead of her. But it was the one time the leader of the Fab Four asked another for help. “How do I do this?” she asked her. Staci told her “I don’t know”; but she assured Amy that she would figure it out. “And we all knew she would do it, like everything else, perfectly”; her sorrowing friend explained.
They’re calling it a coincidence, but some might think it could be Amy’s doing. Heather tells a story about a homeless man that Heather’s husband John and Amy saw walking along Route 36 every day on their way to work. He always had on a ragged coat and looked like he could never get warm,” Heather said, saying how sorry Amy always felt for him. So much so, that in one of her last chats with Heather, Amy asked her to make sure he got a warm coat. “The next day I saw him,” John told Heather, ‘I saw the homeless man and he had a new coat!’
“I was so surprised but so happy! I could tell Amy I did see him, and he had on a new coat!” No one knows where he got it, or where he went, “but I was happy to be able to tell Amy he had his new coat.”
Amy is one of those rare people you meet in life that you always want to be around, all of her friends agree. As several said this week, “She was selfless, kind and genuine; she never had a negative thing to say about anyone.”
At the end of the day, we should all strive to “Be Like Amy.”
Ed Segall, who brought patriotism, camaraderie and good times to the Sea Gull’s Nest at Sandy Hook, died Saturday, February 3, at home surrounded by his family. He was 96 years old; Natalie, his wife, died four years ago on February 4
At the funeral service for Ed at Bloomfield Cooper Jewish Chapel in Ocean Monday, the love and respect Ed’s son Scott, daughter, Tina and grandchildren had for Ed was so obvious. Their expressions of love and remembrance were heartwarming and so honest.
But there are so many more of us who know Ed Segall from his SeaGull’s Nest long before there was a Gateway National Recreation Area. Ed opened the Nest in 1962 when Sandy Hook was still part of Sandy Hook State Park. And he operated the most popular restaurant in the area there until Hurricane Sandy wiped out the building and everything Ed had poured into its success. By then it was Gateway National, and despite all his efforts, Ed was never able to re-open the classic restaurant and bar on the beach.
His family said it all at the funeral, but anyone who went to the Sea Gull’s Nest already knew of his great generosity and his even greater patriotism. The son of hardworking Jews who immigrated from Romania, Ed was raised to grow up and appreciate the American Dream. He was taught it would take a lot of work, but America would be generous to him if he worked hard to keep it the great country his parents knew it was.
So, Ed did join the Army, was a paratrooper and served his nation. He did work hard, he also was a fantastic boxer and trainer, and he ran a trucking business until he became a concessionaire and garnered the license to open his concession on Sandy Hook.
In 1991, where there was an awful accidental fire at the Sea Gull’s Nest and Ed rushed in to save another person; he was severely burned himself and spent long days and weeks at St. Barnabas Burn Center in Livingston. When they saved his life, his first thought was to spend the rest of his life thanking them. And he did, running so many fund-raising events with a mandate that it provide the funds for youngsters treated at St. Barnabas for burn injuries also got to go to camp in the summer.
But it was the patriotism Ed showed on a daily basis that all will remember. When the nation was in Desert Storm, it was Ed Segall who called in a few friends and staged the greatest Beach and Nest event for the returning soldiers that drew thousands. It was so appreciated by the military that during the event, at least one of the planes with the soldiers flying home flew over Sandy Hook. The Highlands Fire Department even hung a yellow ribbon around the lighthouse to observe the event.
That patriotism was a hallmark at Sea Gull’s Nest was evident. Everyone had to stand and salute the American flag and sing God Bless America or quite simply, was politely asked to leave. It was the place where Ed would point out the ships docked at Naval Weapons Earle across the bay in Leonardo and remind everyone enjoying their music and libations it is because of those men and women on the ship that they had the freedom to enjoy their days and evenings at the Sea Gull’s Nest. There was the night the Captain on one of those ships went back to the ship and blinked his lights in appreciation of the patriotism shown his fleet.
Ed’s son Scott and daughter, Tina, spoke lovingly at the funeral service, but it was his late son Barry’s children, Ed’s grandchildren, who gave even more insight into the type of generous person he was. Barry died while his three children were young, and Pop Segall did for them all the things their dad could not. Today the family said that Ed Segall taught his way of life…how to raise a family.
There is no more Sea Gull’s Nest, no more nightly Pledge to the Flag and lusty rendition of God Bless America. But there will always be a smiling Ed Segall reminding his thousands of guests at the Nest just how great a country the United States is.
The family has asked that in lieu of flowers, contributions in Ed’s name could be made to the charity of the donor’s choice. It’s what Ed would do.
