The presentation was made by Monmouth County Commissioner Director Tom Arnone from the Chamber at its the 38th Golden Osprey Awards Dinner November 16 at Jumping Brook Country Club.
“I am truly honored to be recognized by the Jersey Shore Chamber of Commerce for my public service to the residents of the County of Monmouth as County Clerk,” Hanlon said at the presentation. “ I am proud of all that we have accomplished at the Clerk’s Office in educating our voters, preserving our County’s precious history, serving our veterans, and making our government services readily available.”
The Award is presented to an individual who continually supports the chamber of commerce and its mission, and who works tirelessly to better their community.
“It is a pleasure to work with the dedicated Executive Board and Board of Directors of the Jersey Shore Chamber of Commerce, and I commend them for their hard work to ultimately improve the local economy and quality of life in southern Monmouth County,” the clerk continued.
Hanlon is serving in her second term as Monmouth County Clerk and has served in the position since 2015.
Other 2023 Golden Osprey award recipients are Stephanie G. Reckord, Esq. of Greenbaum Rowe Smith & Davis LLP, Mary Ellen Keane & John F. Keane, Jr. of Sunnyside Manor, Kristin (Meyler) Cumberland of the Prevention of Drug and Alcohol Abuse at Wall Township, Jean Wild of Manasquan, Red Bank, Assemblyman Edward “Ned” H. Thomson, Paul Rugarber, PDR Designs Architecture LLC, Diane Turton Realtors, C&A Financial Group, and Cowleys Pest Control.
While there have been meaningful and important observances of Veterans day throughout Monmouth County. The Shrewsbury Elementary School went above and beyond in making its celebration a multi-generational affair, with hundreds of people of all ages joining in honoring not only each of the veterans from the borough who has served in the military, but also their individual branches of service.
And in the end, each of the veterans present received a gift bag filled with homemade gifts each will treasure for a lifetime.
The annual event, in which all staff from Superintendent Brant A. MacConnell though teachers in every grade participate, began with a color guard comprised of boy and girl scouts leading the crowd in the Pledge of Allegiance followed by the Shrewsbury School Chorus rendition of the national anthem. Following the anthem, the chorus also presented an Armed Forces medley honoring each of the branches of service and were thanked by Mayor Erik Anderson and other local and county officials.
Major Paul David Roman, US Army (ret), who served in the military 26 years, gave the guests and students a Profile of a Shrewsbury Veteran, and was followed by other officers and speakers including Command Sgt Major Scott Lewis speaking on the importance of Veterans Day.
Each of the guests received a program that named, not only each of the veterans related to staff or student, but also listing their service branches and their relationship, with many of the guests recommended as grandfathers, fathers. The students also praised others in attendance including Army veteran and former Mayor Donald Burden, Shrewsbury First Aid Squad and fire company members, as well as veterans now serving at Hackensack Meridian Health and staff members who are also veterans.
Guests also paid honor to the 39 deceased veterans who are relatives of students or staff members, with many having several family members who were veterans and are now deceased.
A highlight of the afternoon, however, were the presentations by the students to their veterans in attendance with gift packages students in every class have been working on for weeks. Each class focused its creative efforts in a specific manner, with preschool youngsters creating hearts and Kindergarten children making congratulatory and thank you cards. First graders put their hand prints on hearts for decorations to be framed, second and third graders made bookmarks with a Veterans theme, and six graders created Poppy Cards. Youngsters in 4th, 5th and 7th grades created poems for their veteran guests and eighth graders made word clouds.
Addison designed a card with the flag colored into a heart describing “The Land that I love” with her message to veterans, “Thank you for protecting us.” And Maureen added an eagle to the flag design and wrote “Thank you for taking care of us all.” Matthew drew a flag and wrote “the noise overhead. All you see is poppy red in the fields. All Alone.”
Student Laura Dassle presented her poem with a white background, a red rose and a blue background and wrote:
We must remember World War I and II
And we remember the flag red, white and blue
As our beautiful flag blows in the wind
We remember all that you did.
As we all stand together with our soul
We are now safe together and whole.
Several students took the word VETERAN and wrote their feelings with adjectives or nouns for each letter of the word. One student who wished to remain anonymous wrote from the soldier’s point of view:
V Vivid memories of my friends dying will always haunt me
E Eliminating friends everyday makes me want to cry. But I can’t
T Transporting me everyday to a place even more dangerous
E Enemies waiting for the right moment that they can make their mark.
R Remembering everyday leaves me with trauma
A Allowing the thoughts to pass through my mind and knowing they’ll haunt me
N Now I try to live a nice life but always will live with the terror of my past
S Shots in the distance make me wince even though it’s just fireworks.
Laila, who presented her creativity in red, white and blue. Wrote:
V Valued soldiers are very important to fight for our great and mighty country
E Enduring war to save peoples’ lives!
T Thanks for serving our beloved country!
E Exterminating people trying to take over our mighty country
R Reliable soldiers are great! They protect our country from bad, bad people
A Admirable soldiers help our great and loving country
N Noble and honorable people are a great great country
S Self-sacrificing for great America.
Madeleine Freeman concluded the program with “American Anthem” after each of the veterans in the audience was recognized and thanked.
The art classes under the direction of Ms. Fox also decorated the room for the event, and Mr. Peri led the students’ musical program. The Shrewsbury PTA provided contributions and refreshments with support and generosity from Starbucks in the Grove and Delicious Orchards.
A Memorial Mass in honor of deceased members of the Knights of Columbus will be offered Monday, November 27 at St. Agnes Church.
The Mass is planned by the Rev. Joseph Donnelly Council of third degree Knights together with the Bishop McFaul Assembly of 4th degree knights in conjunction with other councils in the area.
The memorial mass will be at 7 p.m. at St. Agnes Church, part of Our Lady of Perpetual Help-St. Agnes parish, located on Center Avenue in Atlantic Highlands.
Remembrance Mass Chairman Ron Angelo also announced there will be coffee and desserts in the church hall following the mass and all are invited to attend.
The thrill of being behind the wheel on an 80-foot schooner, the luxury of sleeping in a comfortable suite at the Admiral Fitzroy Inn and the professionalism of a personal driver like Steve who comes recommended by inns and hotels, are only some of the reasons why Newport Rhode Island is a great place to spend a few days or longer.
Granted, it’s not an inexpensive area, but then, you do get an awful lot for your money. And there are plenty of bargains that make it easier and worthwhile as well. Take the free trolley. You can pick it up anyplace along the route and ride it for one stop or throughout the route then ride again if you really want. It’s all free, and the students at Salve Regina University can certainly take advantage of it going between the many buildings on their vast and very attractive campus. It’s fun to ride just to get a view of the town from its mansions on one side to the shop-filled wharves on the water and busier side of town.
There are also the great shops with the friendly shopkeepers who seem more interested in making you feel comfortable and happy than in actually selling anything. Frazzleberries on Thames st. Is not only a great place for souvenirs and gifts, but they even take phone orders and ship you products overnight. There’s the Anchor Glass Gallery on Franklin St. with its incredible array of hand blown glass in custom designs along with jewelry and other gifts, There’s the great dress shop close to the Admiral Fitzroy Inn on Thames Street that sells lots of clothes and other items for people who love dogs, but also gives away cute magnets that say “As a matter of fact, I do need to pet every dog I see” that dog lovers love. There are all those great shops along Bowen’s and Bannister’s Wharfs. And the very elegant Newport Yacht Club welcomes members of other yacht clubs who want to stop in for a greeting, an afternoon drink or a dinner overlooking Narragansett Bay. Their dining room is a study in art itself., Every table has a hand made model of a tall ship from earlier eras.
There are also sculptures around town, and the benches along well swept sidewalks and clean streets for simply sitting and enjoying the greetings of passersby and the scenery. It seems everyone in Newport puts an effort into keeping the city clean and welcoming.
There are plenty of places to visit as well, including the Redwood Library Museum, which was chartered in 1747 and is recognized as the first library building in the entire country. The portrait gallery is enough to keep you more informed on the colonial era. It’s also home to the state’s first art gallery and has close to a quarter of a million books for circulation and special collections. There’s no fee to tour the museum, visit the library and see the rotating exhibitions in the two art galleries.
Newport’s famous Cliff Walk can be as long or short as you want, as easy or as difficult as you can handle, with spectacular scenery and salty air the entire way, There are all those mansions to visit, the International Tennis Hall of Fame to see, and a Visitor Information Center and Transportation Center to make it all easy to learn a lot and get around.
Newport Rhode Island is definitely worth a visit….out-of-season for more peace, quiet, and fewer crowds
The annual Veterans Day ceremony sponsored by the American Legion Post 141 at Veterans Park in Atlantic Highlands was as moving and joyous as ever, as more than 100 residents gathered to honor living and deceased veterans of all wars in a brief ceremony including a color guard by Boy Scout Troop 22.
Post Commander Peter Doyle, as is his tradition, invited all residents present to contribute to the ceremony by relating incidents or people in their own lives that are responsible for making the day such an important patriotic holiday.
It was eight-year-old Grady of Troop 22 who started the program of individual stories, then came back again later in the program to reiterate his belief and confidence in the United States of America. Grady epitomized the cub motto to “Do your Best.”
Troop 22 leader Michael Armstrong, who is a cubmaster for Pack 22, noted there were 14 cubs and scouts at the Veterans Day service. The Troop is sponsored by the Navesink Fire Company and invites boys from Navesink, Atlantic Highlands and Highlands to become members.
The troop, fairly new and continuing to grow, includes cub scouts in grades kindergarten through sixth grade, and scouts in grades 7 through 12 as well as continuing towards earning their Eagle Scout award, the highest award in Boy Scouting.
Armstrong, proud, but not surprised by Grady’s extemporaneous pride in his country, explained the troop’s education program in patriotism begins with the Scout Oath, In which each of the boys promises to “do his duty to God and my country, to obey the Scout law and to help other people at all times…”
The cubmaster further noted that throughout the scouting program in the Troop 22 plan troop leaders go over small details on how to be a good American. Scouts learn how to properly fold the American flag, how to support their neighbor, and learn some of the aspects of American history.
Armstrong noted that while Grady’s comments were not items specifically covered in any cub program, it was apparent he has learned patriotism and respect for the nation from both his parents and his activities in scouting.
Grady was loud, clear, and definitive in his address to the crowds including numerous veterans or veteran family members gathered around the memorial to the local veterans who lost their lives in World War II.
Grady told the crowd he was proud to be an American and he knew why we are the best country in the world. He also reminded the audience that while we fought, and won World War I, then fought and won World War II, “we are now at a time of peace” and should appreciate it. He then told the crowd that “we all have the men and women in the military to thank for all of that and for keeping our nation safe.”
He concluded by saying he was proud to be free and knew that freedom was based on all that our veterans had done.
Boys interested in becoming cubs or boy scouts can contact any of the leaders for further information or visit info@njpack22.org. or Armstrong at marmstrong@njpack22.org
At the Pack level, under Armstrong, the pack meetings are once a month with dens in the pack meeting another two or three times a month. In addition, there are one or two park outings where the boys attend camping trips, community service events, visiting firehouses or any local place where the scouts and cubs can increase their knowledge and experience through fundamental education in how to give back to their community.
In addition to Armstrong, leaders of Troop 22 include Diana Paradis Committee Chair, Scott Sieh, Chartered Org. Representative and Matt Chesek Navesink Fire Department President
She was known throughout Freehold as the ever busy, ever energetic, ever willing to help someone in need, Helen L. Kenny.
At the dental office where she worked in West Long Branch, she was known for her efficiency, her charm, her good humor, and her ability to get things done.
When she and her husband Jim moved from their Monument Street home in Freehold, they left a void that could not be filled. But they wrote back to Monmouth County friends telling them how happy they were and how much they enjoyed the leisurely living in their new home further south.
Helen died this week at Tidelands Waccamaw Community Hospital in Murrells Inlet, S.C. her family surrounding her with love.
As it was written in her obituary, Helen was an extraordinary person with a heart of gold, who positively impacted those around her through her selfless nature. Her legacy of kindness and generosity will surely be cherished by those who had the privilege of knowing her.
She enjoyed spending time with her family, cooking, baking, knitting, and shopping! Helen also loved tending to her numerous amounts of plants and found peace in keeping her space tidy. She loved taking care of her beloved pets especially Savannah and many others. Helen took pride in being bossy but helpful, she was an incredibly selfless person and her absence will be ever present.
Left to cherish that memory are Helen’s adoring husband of over 24 years, James “Jim” “Grandpa Jim,” Jim Kenny of Surfside Beach; her daughter, Lisa Marie Dybus of New Jersey, grandchildren, Elianna, Vivian, and Cecelia; brothers, Rich and Paul, as well as numerous nieces, nephews, a large, loving extended family and many supportive friends and neighbors in several states and beyond.
A Celebration of Helen’s life will be held today Thursday, November 16, at Burroughs Funeral Home, 3558 Old Kings Highway, Murrells Inlet, SC 29576. The family will gather to greet friends from 10am until the time of service.
In keeping with what Helen would want and at the family’s request, the family is asking that instead of flowers, each one wanting to show love for Helen should consider an act of service or goodwill to someone else in her memory. Helen was a giving person to those who needed help, Jim stressed, so doing a kind act in her honor would be the best tribute to her.
To express your own thoughts of Helen, you can visit the funeral home website at www.burroughsfh.com
There are so many reasons why I am so proud of so many generations of my family but I’m soaring with pride and excitement this week over my youngest grandson, Ensign Angus Yeoman. The University of South Carolina grad and United States Naval officer just completed his initial solo flight at the naval aviation school in Corpus Christi, Texas.
Angus, son of Chris and Tracie Yeoman, graduated from St. Joseph’s High School in Toms River before going into ROTC in South Carolina and graduating from there two years ago!
Angus might have his feet squarely on the ground when it comes to intelligence and common sense, but seeing him a couple of thousand feet in the air flying a Navy aircraft at 300 mph or so is an awful lot even for a proud granny to take.
Prizes, a self-guided tour, photos and breakfast from the chow line are all part of the Breakfast with Santa on the Battleship New Jersey being featured on the Battleship New Jersey on Saturday, December 9.
The Battleship, BB62, is located in Camden, and will present Santa Claus in a program sponsored by Comcast Military at 9 .m.
Tickets are $28 for adults, $24 for children 12 and under or $15 per person for military families. Battleship members will also receive a 20 per cent discount.
The program includes breakfast from the chow line, a photo with Sand, prices, and a self-guided tour of the ship.
Reservations are necessary and can be made by calling 856-877-6262, ext. 108.
The Veterans Breakfast sponsored by the Reverend Joseph Donnelly Council of the Knights of Columbus Sunday was such a success it has already been determined to be an annual event honoring Veterans Day.
That was the announcement made by Grand Knight of the Council Mike Napolitan following Sunday’s breakfast at Our Lady of Perpetual Help auditorium.
In a letter to members of the Council who volunteered to make the event a success, Napolitano wrote
“Congratulations on a successful inaugural Veterans Appreciation Breakfast. The local Veterans in attendance were grateful for and pleased by this initial effort and are bringing back positive reviews to their Posts for greater attendance next year.
Special thanks to the numerous Brother and Sir Knights in our Council (and Assembly) for making this much needed recognition become reality.
Many thanks to all of our Faithful Officers for their excellent kitchen support and shift on the fly Tribute Ceremony Program participation and adjustments – well done Brothers Additional thanks to both the Vincent T. Lombardi Columbiettes for their patriotic decorations and to Sir Knight Deacon Marty for coming to the rescue in blessing our Veterans on very short notice.
Comments from our regular Parishioners and Patrons were all quite positive particularly in terms of the food, service and program content in grateful recognition of our local veterans as was evidenced by their more than $300 in voluntary donations.
The Reverend Joseph J. Donnelly Council is truly honored to be the initial Host Council for the Bishop McFaul Assembly program and we will independently continue this annual event for our Local Veterans going forward. (The Bishop McFaul Assembly are the 4th Degree Knights of Columbus and an Assembly to which many of the Knights from the Our Lady of Perpetual Help-St. Agnes parish belong.
The proposed development for the Officers Row homes at Fort Hancock to preserve history hit a major snag, Jen Nersesian, Superintendent of Gateway National Recreation Area at Sandy Hook, told the Fort Hancock 21st Century Advisory Committee this week.
The Superintendent reported that plans for what would be the largest renovation and restoration of historic structures on Fort Hancock are $50 million short of what is now estimated to be the cost to rebuild the first two of the 21 buildings planned to reserve.
The superintendent explained to a disappointed committee at its meeting that after completing the design process for two of the 21 buildings, planned to be the prototype for future renovations to the rest, the Stillman Company has advised the National Park Service it is now in the area of $100 million, twice what the developer had planned to invest.
“What their financial analysis at this point has shown is that this project is upside-down, and we have a large financial gap,”
Nersesian said at the meeting. She explained Stillman originally had indicated a $50 million investment would enable them to see a return on their investment, but following the design process, it would take at least $100 million to break even and make it viable for a private investor.
Since the superintendent explained the developer is not withdrawing from its original proposal, nor is the park service giving up on its consent, it is up to the Park Service now to face the crossroads and see if it can figure out a strategy to enable all plans to go forward.
“This is going to call for a different model for how we approach getting a project like this done…. ($50 million) This is a big, daunting gap, but we are still committed to the preservation of these buildings. It just means we need to figure out what the next phase of our strategy is going to look like,” the superintendent said.
Adding to the present problematic situation, the Commission is aware that both environmental organizations and Congressman Frank Pallone, in whose district Sandy Hook belongs, are opposed to renovations of the buildings and the influx of residential use of the historic site for fear of damaging the natural environment.
Commission members suggested several ways they hoped could be considered to assist in covering the $50 million gap, including grants, assistance from other organizations, state, county or local assistance or other means.
“We are committed to preservation,” Nersessian said, as she and commission members appeared to indicate their ultimate goal is still achievable and Stillman is still willing to move forward.
The Committee formed a committee within itself to explore the situation in more detail, make inquiries and report back with their ideas or possibilities. Commissioner Lillian Burry reminded other members she had been largely responsible for the $15 million Tinton Falls apartment complex constructed two years ago for homeless veterans, and wondered if that a similar plan at Fort Hancock could be a possibility. Patrick Calen questioned whether the Park Service “is too tight on Stillman” and whether specifications for construction might be altered or if there was room for any flexibility. Anthony Mercantante was asked about the possibility of local stakeholders.
Looking towards the bright side despite the $50 million hole the project is now facing, Nercessian reported the Park Services’ work to restore the roofs of all of the homes on Officers Row has been underway and now 70 per cent complete on 15 buildings and BOQs and anticipates that the work will be completed by February. She stressed the Park Service made the decision to complete the project with permanent as opposed to temporary roofs and historically correct wooden rafters and sheathing, together with copper flashing and weather barrier shingles.
She also reported the resurfacing on the highly used bike and walking path should be completed within a few weeks, and the $4 million water well replacement is underway. Dredging by the Army Corps of Engineers at the tip of Sandy Hook should also be completed with a few weeks, she said.
The Park Service started the leasing program at Fort Hancock several years ago in its attempt to restore the historic structures through a public-private partnership. The buildings have fallen into serious stages of deterioration since the Army vacated the base in 1978.
In addition to the buildings currently under lease by non-profit groups, including MAST, the Marine Academy of Science and Technology, seven Fort Hancock buildings are currently under lease by private investors, including two eating establishments, McFly’s, which has been opened for several years, and the Mule Barn Tavern, which opened in August to much acclaim and continued popularity and lodging accommodations. There are continuing plans for another bar and restaurant in the former YMCA and lodging possibilities for the former Officers Club.
While Roy Stillman, president of Stillman Development International, was not present for this week’s meeting, he has indicated in the past his commitment to historic preservation and his plans for three floors of renovated apartments within each of the houses, with five units in each house along with shared storage space. He has also indicated the possibility of using one of the buildings as a wedding chapel including a sundries store in the midst as well to complement the residential uses and make the project more financially viable and convenient for year-round renters.
Under Stillman’s plans, though there would be 95 apartments and other uses included in the buildings, all of which are not on Officer’s Row, the exterior of the buildings would remain exactly the same to preserve the historic appearance of the army site. The company has extensive experience in preserving historic sites, having completed renovations at The Schumacher, a Romanesque building in new York that was built in 1885, and the 1920 Times Square Theater also in New York.
At the time his agreement with the Park Service was signed nearly two years ago, the company president termed it an exciting project, and tone that “is an unusual combination of civic, patriotic and commercial elements,” saying he was thrilled to be a part of the balance.
