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Little Green Feet at the Library

By
Muriel J. Smith
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Little Green Feet

Residents of both Highlands and Atlantic Highlands are so truly fortunate in so many ways, to say nothing about living in one of the most beautiful areas of Monmouth County. feet

For now, let me draw your attention to the Atlantic Highlands Branch of the Monmouth County Library and the outstanding staff that continues to provide not only help, knowledge, courtesy, good humor, plenty of books and resources, but also a calendar so full of events and activities that everyone from the very youngest to the very oldest in the area is well served by this branch of the library.

Lauren Garcia is the branch librarian as well as children’s librarian at the Atlantic Highlands facility, located in Borough Hall on First Avenue. Effervescent, intelligent, creative, and ever busy wearing both hats, she took the time this week in response to a request to cite the variety of programs this library offers.

She and longtime associate Phyllis LaMarche who has been with the library for nearly 15 years, are the pair who keep everyone aware of everything the library has to offer; the pair who encourage people of all ages to take advantage of all the new ideas and programs the local facility offers; the pair who know what’s on the book shelves but also everything else that’s offered at no cost to anyone who stops in the borough hall facility.

Lauren’s comprehensive report for 2024 shows this library branch offers something for everyone, in addition to simply being comfortable, resourceful, and a most pleasant way of learning something new.

During 2024, there were 72 different programs offered for adults, both on weekends or evenings. Nearly 500 local residents responded to these programs throughout the year.

In addition to the programs geared specifically to adults, there were another 169 programs offered for children of all ages from infants through tweens, or early teenagers. Nearly 500 young people took advantage of library facilities to attend these programs and perhaps pick up books to take home or sign up for additional programs.

An incredible record for a librarian tasked with both overseeing the entire facility as well as the children’s library, ensuring all the requirements and suggestions of the County Library are included in the curriculum.

Nor are this library’s additional programs routine or dull. For example, the Storytime for Babies gives mom or caregiver an opportunity to cuddle an infant while the soothing voice of a great storyteller comforts the infant and starts him on a lifelong love for books and reading.

Then there are the days when Lauren sets the youngsters loose in the Library to search for “little Green Feet.” It’s a pastime she herself remembers from her library visits as a youngster.

Lauren simply hides bunches of little green feet around books, shelves, chairs, desks and even in full view and invites the children to seek them out. “It’s fun,” she laughs, enjoying the hunt as much as the children, “especially when the feet are right in front of them but they miss seeing them.”

She doesn’t even expound on how this gentle bit of tomfoolery is teaching a child how to be observant, how to notice his surroundings, and how to challenge where things are located where they should be.

The Little Green Feet will be up for hunting this Thursday, March 13 at 3:35 for a half hour or so. Stop in just for the fun of watching.

Wednesday, March 12, sounds like a busy time at the Library, and it is. But it isn’t unusual. Moms and caregivers arrive at 9:30 for that Storytime for babies; then many stay for the 10 a.m. story time for toddlers. But there’s a meditation program at 11 many parents love, and children are learning. For a half hour, Lauren and crew engage youngsters three years of age and up on the power of stillness. Parent and youngster get to enjoy the beauty of silence while thinking about the things that make them happy and content. Who can turn that down?

In the afternoon, there’s another great program at 3:30 and that’s especially geared to tweens and involves their creating and making jewelry.

There’s no doubt about it. While the Atlantic Highlands Library is loaded with books for all ages and interests, there’s even more than that offered on a regular basis.

The library is open Mondays from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Tuesdays, from 9 a.m. to 4, Wednesdays from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., Thursdays from 1 p.m to 9 p.m. Fridays from 1 p..m. to 5 p.m. and Saturdays from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Sounds like a schedule that tries to make time for everybody to visit at least once a week.

feet feet feet feet

 

 

Transforming Mind, Body and Spirit

By
Muriel J. Smith
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Transforming Mind, Body and Spirit

From the exterior, it is just another store front mingled in with businesses than range from a spectacular Portuguese restaurant to a dog grooming shop.

But inside Spiritual Beauty, there are a host of gift ideas, appointments, books, herbs and spices and a talented woman certified in everything from skin care and aromatherapy to reflexology and Reiki.

Located at 130 Bay Avenue, Highlands, Lisa Kochanik recently had an expansive sale in addition to psychic readings, Fairy Hair installations and Sound Therapy designed to bring balance and calm through soothing sounds and vibrations. The shop also offers a new season of spring items and products to ease the mind, relax the body and enable people to revitalize their lives.

As Lisa explains, “Light lifts our spirits and fills us with renewed energy, the perfect time to gather in love, magic, and connection at Spiritual Beauty!

During the recent sale, there were  mini psychic readings, fairy hair applications, and a special end-of-season sale—up to 25% off  most-loved intentional products.

The mini psychic readings, by well known spiritualist Monique Arcand are designed to give divine insight and guidance; the Fairy Hair applications, a relatively new treatment adds shimmer to a person’s aura and sparkle just in time for celebrations; and the sale featured sacred self-care essentials.

Lisa’s shop offers a variety of  crystals, ritual candles, and holistic treasures  she said will nurture the soul. She also offers energy healing, intuitive readings, and wellness essentials, along with facials and other programs that bring energy when taken, either alone or with a friend..

Gena Bifulco Salzman is the technician who does the sound and vibration healing, designed to balance and calm and encourage wellness and serenity.

Spiritual Beauty also offers Light Language, a program of music and multi frequencies to help heal physical, mental and spiritual problems.

In addition, there is Yin Yoga, and a variety of Skin care programs and energy infused facials along with aromatherapy and herbal steam baths. Lisa also offers a facial reflexology procedure for overall well being and energy, as well as Reiki and an infra red sauna.

For more information visit SpiritualBeautyCenter.com

Mind, Body and Spirit Mind, Body and Spirit Mind, Body and Spirit Mind, Body and Spirit Mind, Body and Spirit Mind, Body and Spirit

PRAYERS ON THE PORCH

By
Muriel J. Smith
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PRAYERS ON THE PORCH

The PRAYERS ON THE PORCH started several years ago on her own porch by former Mayor Loretta Gluckstein is continuing in Atlantic Highlands tomorrow night, Tuesday, March 11, at 6:30 p.m.

former Mayor Loretta Gluckstein

Gluckstein, who has seen the informal gathering grow from a few friends to many local residents from a variety of different religions, said this week’s Prayers on the Porch will be at the home of Ellen O’Dwyer at 81 E Lincoln Avenue.

O’Dwyer reiterated the invitation and noted the Prayers on the Porch generally lasts no more than half an hour.

“It’s a time we can all get together,” Gluckstein said, “without worrying about major situations, petty fights, differences. It’s a time when neighbors just chat with each other, share prayers for whatever they want, and in general, simply enjoy a half hour with no stress, lots of good vibes and informal prayers than truly come from the heart.

Prayers on the Porch has been held at a variety of porches and other sites since it was first started, including the lawn of one church and the parking lot of another. In inclement weather, hosts of the event have invited everyone into their homes for the get together, and in warm summer weather, hosts have gathered guests the pool side or in a family garden. Parents have come with small children; senior citizens have accepted rides from neighbors and teens have interacted with clergy and friends who also attend.

“We invited everyone to try it,” Gluckstein said, “it’s a half hour of talking to each other, talking with each other, and both asking God for blessings or thanking Him for the friendship and everything else we share.”

Pallone and the Pitiful Performance

By
Muriel J. Smith
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Frank Pallone
UNITED STATES - JULY 20: Rep. Frank Pallone, D-N.J., participates in the House Democrats' news conference on health care reform in the Capitol on Thursday, July 20, 2017. (Photo By Bill Clark/CQ Roll Call)

Certainly disappointing to learn this week that Congressman Frank Pallone, gentleman that he is, thinks it’s ok for another elected official to be rude not only to his constituents but also to the President of the United States.

Congressman Pallone is great for the people of the Bayshore and beyond. He’s powerful on protecting the ocean and the environment, he’s quick to respond to individual requests for help in big and small matters, and he’s easily available and ready to respond to any need. He’s a genuinely nice guy and hard working Congressman.

MAST Buildings

Though not as powerful in promoting the preservation of history at Fort Hancock, or the repairs, renovations and upkeep for generations to come of those historic buildings at Sandy Hook, including the former barracks the Monmouth County Vocational School District has pretty well torn down and left in a disgraceful pile of trash without any plans for repair, Congressman Pallone still has done an awful lot for a lot of different causes and people from the time he was first elected to Congress in 1988.

In fact, he even did an awful lot for Monmouth County before being elected for the first time, having learned from, worked with and been respected by the late great Congressman Jim Howard. Another true gentleman.

Member of the U.S. House of Representatives
from Texas’s 9th district, Alexander “Al” Green

But when Congressman Green stood up during a joint meeting of Congress, screaming like a crazy man, shaking his cane in anger and refusing to behave like a, well, gentleman, let alone elected official, other elected leaders saw it for what it was: being rude to everybody from the President down .

Those leaders wanted the people of the United States to know they don’t think the President or people should have to put up with that.

Those leaders wanted the people to know they oppose such juvenile and rude misbehavior.

So to prove how they felt, they put it up in Congress, to a vote of the people who represent us, to publicly say how they feel and to prove it, censure the man who had so publicly embarrassed them and the nation..

Congress voted for the censure because Mr. Green did not only embarrassed each of them who respect the fact they represent the people of the United States; they voted to censure him because he made a mockery of himself with the President speaking and all three branches of the United States government present.

In short, Mr. Green showed he thinks his opinion and outbursts are more important than anyone, any elected official, or any representative of the people in a democracy such as ours. And his fellow officials disagreed.

But our Monmouth and Middlesex County representative, our elected Congressman, our gentleman who almost always stands up for everything that is right, chose to vote against reprimanding his fellow Congressman for being so rude.

Which to me makes it look like Congressman Frank Pallone thinks it’s ok for an elected official to create a scene, act like a spoiled kid, and interrupt my President while he’s trying to address the people.

Very sad.

It doesn’t look like the gentleman and good Congressman that I know.

Pallone Pallone Pallone

 

Turmeric Does the Trick!

By
Muriel J. Smith
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Turmeric

Turmeric. If you’re fortunate enough to have neighborhood gourmet markets or major food stores that sell herbs and spices, there is an entire new world of exciting and fun recipes open for you to try while at the same time filling your kitchen with unique aromas and learning something about some of the herbs that are nutritious, healthy and available.

Turmeric falls in the category of spices that can be used in numerous ways, are generally used in the powdered form, but it is much better if you purchase the root itself, then grate what you need when you need it.

Turmeric has been around in kitchens for tens of thousands of years, predominantly in Indian and Middletown Eastern recipes. It is really the rhizome, or root of the Curcuma longa plant, which explains why it is filled with curcumin, that anti-inflammatory property that helps in reducing swelling as well as helping cure skin disorders, arthritis, digestive problems, depression and some say Alzheimer’s.

While all the benefits are not necessarily backed by official laboratory tests, the Chinese and Indians have used turmeric in a variety of medicines that seem to work for them for centuries.

The spice is bright yellow in color, which has its good and bad points. Terrific in making colorful dishes, not so great if you like a stain-free cutting board. The bright color comes from those roots. It is part of the ginger family, generally grown in warm climates, can grow all over the world, and is used in just about every kind of dish, including curries, teas, stews, and soups.

Purchased in its natural root form, it keeps well in the refrigerator for weeks, or can be frozen in air-tight bags, unpeeled. It’s best to use a potato peeler or really sharp knife to peel off the paper-like skin, then grate what you need for a powder. It can be eater raw or cooked and is best when also used with some black pepper, and oil or butter to get the most out of the anti-inflammatory benefits.

In you live in the Bayshore area of Monmouth County, the Waterwitch Gourmet Market on Waterwitch Avenue just down the hill from the Highlands Elementary School on Route 36 has a great supply of fresh turmeric in stock now, along with a variety of oils and other herbs and spices that go well with it or on their own.

Try some freshly grated turmeric in your next soup after cooking just before serving. Or mix some in your next sweet potato recipe. Try sprinkling some on top of acorn squash. Or add some chopped pieces to any rice dish, great in Spanish rice. You might want to stir fry it in butter or oil first to bring out more flavor. Or try pickled turmeric which will store for months in the refrigerator and can be added to soups, stews and more.

PICKLED TURMERIC
4 ounces turmeric root

Juice of two lemons

Dash of salt

Peel and slice turmeric, combine with lemon juice and salt in sterilized glass jars. Store in refrigerator.

It’s also great with Tofu, and the Waterwitch Gourmet Market has great blocks of thick tofu as well. Cube the tofu and marinade for an hour in some fresh grated turmeric, equal amount of ginger and garlic all mixed in olive oil. Fry until golden brown.

Or try Turmeric Tea. Using black pepper with turmeric helps the body assimilate it better.

2 cups water

2 tablespoons lemon juice

½ teaspoon ground turmeric

Pinch or two of black pepper

2 teaspoons Honey

In a small pot, whisk together all ingredient. Heat over high heat. When tea just starts to boil, lower heat down to low and simmer for 10 minutes. Let cool a minute, pour into cups and serve.

Even the bright color will make you feel better!

St. Patrick’s Day Parade Grand Marshal

By
Muriel J. Smith
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Grand Marshal

Grand Marshal The Highlands Business Partnership 20th Annual St. Patrick’s Day Parade will kick off at 2 p.m. Saturday, March 22, 2025, promising this year to be bigger and better after last year’s inclement weather caused a cancellation.

The colorful festivities will highlight Irish culture with nearly 120 marching units including bagpipers, marching bands, and vibrantly decorated floats.

The parade will begin at Waterwitch Avenue and travel along Bay Avenue with 2025 Grand Marshal Timothy Hill taking the lead.

Hill has deep roots in Highlands and married a native, Laura Horan, another family with deep roots and involvement in the community for decades. His mother-in-law, the late Jane Horan, was co-founder of the Highlands Historical Society, his late great uncle Joseph Dempsey was borough mayor in 1949 and 50. Hill’s great aunt, Clara Dempsey was a founding member of Twin Light Historical Society. And Hill himself, a graduate of Henry Hudson Regional School, in 1978, attended Brookdale College, volunteered at the Highlands Recreation Department, and was hired in 1979, then worked full-time at the center while still attending college.

In 1984, Hill earned his Recreation Administrator Certification from the NJ Department of Community Affairs, and in 1988, completed requirements for his National Recreation and Park Association (NJRPA) and his New Jersey Recreation and Park Association (NRPA) Professional Certification in Recreation Management.

The late Mayor Robert Wilson appointed Hill Recreation Director; through the director’s leadership and vision, many new activities, special events and health and human service opportunities were offered for the borough population from pre-school, youth, teen, adult, and senior residents of Highlands.

Partnership records and local stories remind everyone of the many who reaped the benefits of the programs offered by the Borough Recreation Center under Hill’s leadership.

He was also charged with conditioning and overseeing park/beach improvements and general maintenance and obtained numerous grants for the Borough partnerships that provided funding for recreation and park related activities.

Hill was a borough employee for 37 years, and during that time also volunteered countless hours to the Highlands Business Partnership established in 1999 including assisting with the annual event calendar and public area improvements.

Events he assisted with included the St. Patrick’s Day Parade, Guinness Run, Clam Fest (Clam Eating Clam Shucking, & Baby Parade), Twin Lights Bike Ride, and the Holiday Tree Lighting.

In May of 2011, Hill was named interim Borough Administrator and became the full-time Borough Administrator in December of 2011.

From late 2012, until his retirement after 37 years with the borough on June 1, 2016, he spent time working on hundreds of tasks that required attention during the recovery efforts after Superstorm Sandy.

He also served as a member of the Highlands Planning Board, Highlands Depuration Committee, FEMA Long-Term Recovery Planning Team, and continued to volunteer with numerous HBP programs, as well as his continued support and work on the Highlands Business Partnership’s Hope for Highlands Committee when he worked closely with the Board and Committee members raising and distributing EMAIL: HBP@HIGHLANDSNJ.COM securing more than a million dollars in grants, goods and services for residents’ post Sandy.

Hill and his wife have two children, Shannon, and Timmy and reside in Orlando, FL where he is self-employed as a part-time sales rep for Swartz Associates, a company that sells park and recreation site furnishings and equipment throughout Florida, Georgia, Mississippi & Tennessee.

A diehard NJ Devils fan, Hill’s deep roots to Highlands and his admiration, love and family ties to the Highlands St. Patrick’s Day Parade and celebrations in Highlands is why the Partnership is so thrilled to have their native son walk the green line on March 22 and lead the parade along a one mile stretch of Bay Avenue.

The Highlands Business Partnership will host the annual “Competition of Floats.” All Businesses and/or Organizations in Highlands will be competing in three categories: Best of Show, Prettiest, and the Most Original. In addition, a trophy will be presented for the Best of Apparatus.

Participants representing military, political, civic, Church, and other organizations will be in the line of march along with the Henry Hudson Regional Marching Band and Cheerleaders performing with over 100 members.

Monmouth County Police & Fire Pipes & Drums

The Pipe and Drum Bands include the Monmouth County Police & Fire Pipes & Drums, Solas na Mara Pipe Band, Middlesex County Police & Fire Pipes and Drums, Friendly Sons of the Shillelagh Pipes and Drums, Essex County Emerald Society Police and Fire Pipes and Drums, Union County Police & Fire Pipes & Drums, Staten Island Pipes & Drums, and Patrick Torphy Pipes and Drums.

The Partnership’s “Lucky Pot of Gold” 50/50 Raffle is also a traditional part of the day’s festivities. Interested persons can purchase a 50/50 ticket and need not be present for the drawing.

There will be free giveaways thrown from the many floats competing in the parade, and guests are invited to visit one of Highlands’ many great restaurants for pipe bands and other live entertainment.

The parade is made possible by the Highlands Business Partnership and sponsors; Monmouth County Tourism, Montecalvo/Bayshore Family of Companies, Bahrs Landing, Bridge Marina, Farmacie by the French Market, Dovetail Vintage Rentals, Gateway Marina, Hufnagel Tree Service, In the Garden, Off the Hook, Proving Ground, Seafarer, Valley Bank, WRAT 95.9, Oasis Physical Therapy, Leonardo, PKF O’Connor Davies Accountants and Advisors and Collier Engineering and Design.

For additional information, call 732.291.4713 or visit www.highlandsnj.com.

Grand Marshal Grand Marshal Grand Marshal Grand Marshal Grand Marshal
Grand Marshal Grand Marshal
Grand Marshal Grand Marshal

Evelynn Knox … Poet

By
Muriel J. Smith
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Evelynn Knox

When Henry Hudson Regional School freshman Evelynn Knox stands before the judges vying for the states award in the Poetry Out Loud competition March 12, she is supported with the enthusiasm, backing, and congratulations of the entire school district.

The Highlands resident, who entered the contest because of her love of poetry and performing, has selected three uniquely different poems for her presentations, and has specific reasons for each of her selections.

The Poetry Out Loud program is a nationwide program created in 2006 by the National Endowment for the Arts and The Poetry Foundation. Its purpose is to promote the art of performing poetry, as well as enable a teenager to feel confident in public speaking, gain self-confidence and appreciate poetry as speech raised to its highest intensity .

After competing at the school level, Knox then competed at the regional level to win first place and be able to compete at the state level which this year will be held at the Count Basie Theater in Red Bank.

For the competition, the student had to select three poems from an anthology of 900 poems, had to memorize them and had to be certain at least one of the poems was pre-20th century.

Evelynn is only the second student in Henry Hudson’s’ history to advance to the regional level. Lydia Smith was selected for the regional contest twice; however, the contest was cancelled one of those two years due to Covid.

“Evelynn has been an absolute JOY to work with,” said Jessica Merrigan, the English and Yoga instructor and SEL facilitator at Henry Hudson who designed the program for the high school. “She is dedicated and committed to learning the deeper purpose of her poems,” she continued, adding, she performs “each poem in a way that honors the poets. She is prideful of her craft, yet humble and eager to develop her potential. She’s a gem! 

Merrigan, who is also the Student Council and Journalism Club advisor in addition to the Poetry Out Loud advisor, has been working with her prize-winning student in preparation for the next competition.

“I love both poetry and performing,” Evelynn said, “and the program combines those two things in the most wonderful way possible.

The student explained she has been involved in theater productions for several years, and admits she has “ grown to be comfortable on the stage.” Still, she continued, “ I had not been very experienced in the world of poetry reading/reciting, despite being very interested in it. I believe the Poetry Out Loud program helps students to learn more about poetry and storytelling, as well allowing them to become more comfortable with performance and presentation. It also sheds light on the wonderful world of poetry and brings people together through powerful storytelling.

Prior to the Poetry Out Loud competition, Evelynn had to choose three poems from the competition’s website, memorize them and practice her recitations. She candidly admits that “though there were many other details put into my performance prior to the competition. I researched each poem thoroughly and broke them down section by section to truly understand what the poet was trying to convey within the poem.”

Understanding the poet, Evelynn explained, would help her expression of the poem, since she would have a better understanding of the words she would be speaking, rather hen simply a recitation of them.

Evelynn’s three poems also show the diversity of her thoughts and the importance to her of understanding not only dialect but imagery and the message itself. Her poems for the competition are Let Evening Come, by Jane Kenyon, The Arrow and the Song by Henry Wadsworth Longfellow and Altered After Too Many Years Under the Mask by C A Conrad.

In selecting Let Evening Come, by Jane Kenyon, for instance, Evelynn said she was drawn to the beautiful dialect and the poet’s use of imagery as well as the message of the poem which deals with learning to accept and finding comfort in the passage of time and the inevitability of death.

She chose each of the poems, the regional winner continued,” because they spoke to me in some way or another and made me think about the messages they conveyed.”

All of which brought her to the conclusion, that “In a way, these poems found me.”

—

Let Evening Come

By Jane Kenyon

Let the light of late afternoon

shine through chinks in the barn, moving   

up the bales as the sun moves down.

Let the cricket take up chafing   

as a woman takes up her needles   

and her yarn. Let evening come.

Let dew collect on the hoe abandoned   

in long grass. Let the stars appear

and the moon disclose her silver horn.

Let the fox go back to its sandy den.   

Let the wind die down. Let the shed   

go black inside. Let evening come.

To the bottle in the ditch, to the scoop   

in the oats, to air in the lung   

let evening come.

Let it come, as it will, and don’t   

be afraid. God does not leave us   

comfortless, so let evening come.

Copy right Jane Kenyon

Evelynn

The Shore Regional Question is Disgusting.

By
Muriel J. Smith
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Shore Regional
Lawyer being offered receiving money as bribe from client at desk in courtroom

 

The entire Shore Regional question is downright disgusting. Not only is the Shore Regional Board of Education rude, inconsiderate and wasteful with taxpayers’ money in continuing to fight another battle while the first one hasn’t even been settled, but so are our Monmouth County and New Jersey State Education officials as well.

Superior Court Judge Owen McCarthy

Monmouth County Superior Court Judge Owen McCarthy was outstanding in his handling of a tricky situation that took his wisdom and judicial knowledge to make some sense out of a situation that never should have gone this far.

The Monmouth County Board of Elections made it clear in their arguments before the Judge that it’s too late to halt a process that is letting the people express their opinion. So the Judge said yes, the people should vote on that $51 million Shore Regional wants to spend…

If they vote it down, that’s the end of worrying about how to get another $51 million. If they approve it, well, the judge said, they can’t get the money until the first issue about whether Sea B right is part of it, is settled.

It’s easy to see why Shore Regional doesn’t even mind spending tens of thousands of dollars for lawyers to fight so hard to keep Sea Bright in their fold. In spite of the money they’re spending to fight the Appellate court, not once but twice, then possibly the Supreme Court, for them, it’s money well spent if they win.

Because what they’re spending now, huge as it is, is still less than the taxpayers in Oceanport, West Long Branch and Monmouth Beach will have to pay for years to come if Sea Bright actually gets to leave the fold.

In short, they’ve depended on Sea Bright’s giant share of the total school tax bill for so long they just can’t do without it.

Again, nobody cares about Sea Bright.

They simply came up with the idea years ago that it might make sense to join with a closer neighbor. They studied it, presented facts, spread the information and asked the people for their opinion.

The majority, it seems, want to be part of Henry Hudson, even though it will cost them a little bit for a couple of years, but in the end would also be a great decision not only for taxes but for education.

The Governor and the Legislature promote regionalization for its tax savings.

Sea Bright is trying to do exactly what the Legislature wants.

Voters in Sea Bright and Highlands have said they want it.

The Henry Hudson Board of Education and all the members who have served on any of the boards in recent years have all said they want Sea Bright to join.

The courts have upheld Sea Bright’s position.

Yet Shore Regional continues to fight, continues to challenge what judges have said, continues to fight what appeals court judges have said.

And continues to cost the taxpayers of Oceanport, West Long Branch, Monmouth Beach and Sea Bright, thousands of dollars…

Not on education;

Not improving the buildings;

Not on better programs or academics for the kids;

Simply so the lawyers can continue the fight.

Geoffrey Stark, Attorney Representing Shoe Regional
Shore Regional

McCarthy With the Judgement of Solomon

By
Muriel J. Smith
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Shore Regional

Judgement Shore Regional board of Education can go ahead with its referendum calling for a $51 million bond issue for repairs and renovations to the school next week.

But even if it is approved, the school district cannot borrow the money until some of the problems with Sea Bright’s regionalization are decided.

Superior Court Judge Owen McCarthy

That was decision of Superior Court Judge Owen McCarthy yesterday after hearing arguments from both Sea Bright and Shore Regional, as well as Jason Sena and the state Attorney General, both representing Monmouth County Clerk Christine Hanlon.

Vito Gagliardi, Jr

Vito Gagliardi and Keri Wright of the Porzio law firm representing the borough of Sea Bright, had sought to cancel the referendum announced last month by the Shore Regional School District.

Gagliardi cited two laws he felt would halt the vote, citing the law that says no district could incur more debt while a decision is pending on whether Sea Bright can be excused from that regional district and join Henry Hudson Regional as a third town with Highlands and Atlantic Highlands.

Gagliardi also questioned whether Shore Regional was properly following election laws inasmuch as it could not keep the public informed on how a $51 million issue would impact taxes for voters without knowing whether three or four municipalities would be included in the board of education.

Jason Sena, former Atlantic Highlands borough attorney, represented County Clerk Hanlon, who was opposed to halting the vote on the basis of the lack of time between now and the already scheduled election day as well as the fact preliminary steps have already been taken and completed for the vote to take place under state election laws. To halt the process now, Sena argued, would cause irreparable damage.

On a zoom hearing Monday, the judge heard arguments from both sides, with Geoffrey Stark representing Shore Regional and Mark Gulbranson the acting Attorney General and Sena representing the Monmouth County election office and Gagliardi and Kerri Wright representing Sea Bright and its mayor, Mayor Brian Kelly, representing private citizens whose taxes would be directly impacted should Sea Bright stay in the Shore Regional district.

Gagliardi brought to the judge’s attention that whether Sea Bright will actually be part of the Shore Regional district is still a matter to be determined. That conclusion is awaiting the decision of Appellate Courts that have twice upheld Sea Bright’s request to leave the district and join Henry Hudson Regional. Shore Regional continues to challenge those decisions and it is that matter that is yet to be resolved.

In this week’s actions, brought by Gagliardi in an attempt to stop the election until Sea Bright’s situation can be decided, he argued that a funding formula should the $51 million be approved, has not yet been established, nor could it be while the district awaits an Appellate decision and the ultimate decision of the Commissioner of education.

He argued the Department of Education would never have allowed the referendum without sufficient information as to its impact on taxation, and traced the history of the Sea Bright litigation on the regionalization question for several years, long preceding any notice of a bonding referendum.

Further, he argued, the regionalization question has been ongoing for at least four years and has been upheld by the court only to have Shore Regional continue the litigation with challenges to the court decision.

Judge McCarthy closed the arguments Monday and delayed his decision until Tuesday morning to review all the testimony and  background.  He then indicated he was basing his decision on allowing the vote to continue on the county election arguments the preparation for the election has gone too far to be halted without causing damage and possible illegalities. He cited the fact sample and mail-in ballots have already been mailed to voters, as well as other routine procedures which must be followed for every election.

At the same time Judge McCarthy noted there will be likely be more litigation before matters are settled, so issuing a stay on the issuance of any bonds , should the matter be approved March 11, would be necessary. At Monday’s hearing, he described Sea Bright’s dilemma of whether it can leave the Shore Regional district as the “elephant in the room.”

“On behalf of the taxpayers of Sea Bright, I appreciate Judge McCarthy taking the difficult step of entering an injunction here and preventing Shore Regional from issuing any bonds, assuming the issue is passed,” Gagliardi said after the judge’s decision.

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Pomelo 89% H2O, 10% carbohydrates, 1% protein

By
Muriel J. Smith
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Pomelo

Pomelo  It’s official name is Citrus Grandis and the reason for the name is obvious from the start. The yellow skinned fruit that looks like a giant grapefruit…perhaps two to three pounds in size at your gourmet food market…indeed looks like and is a very large piece of citrus fruit.

More commonly known as the Pomelo, the fruit is very similar in shape, color and taste as grapefruit, though a bit sweeter. And it’s worth the effort to separate the membrane from the thick white rind, whether eating it by hand or in recipes.

Pomelos are one of the original five citrus varieties like kumquats and mandarins, while the others are actually a cross between some of the original five. For instance, it’s a cross between a pomelo and an orange that gives us grapefruit.

They are the largest of the citrus fruits, usually have a green or pale yellow outer layer with a thick pith and sweet and juicy flesh inside. They’re highly nutritious, like all citrus fruits, with plenty of dietary fiber, a variety of vitamins and minerals, including vitamin C, potassium, and copper.  They appear to be especially good for maintaining heart health, the immune system and fighting cancer cells and there is some evidence they also slow signs of aging.

Pomelo are generally commonly grown in Southeast Asia and imported to the United States where they are most easily found during winter in ethnic grocery stores or specialty supermarkets.

Pomelos have thick rinds and might be white, yellow, pink, or even orange in the middle. They are sweeter than grapefruit but still with the tang of acidity, and taste so much better when completely separated from that thick rind. An easy way to do this is to slice the fruit in half, use a scoop to get out all the colored flesh,

Or slice it all the way through in half. Then, slice between the flesh of the fruit and the outer pith layer, cut through the rind, to quarter the fruit and then pull it all apart.

Slice in half and eat like grapefruit, but sprinkle with a bit of salt or sugar. Serve it as juice, in salads, or in desserts,

For an elegant and unique breakfast taste, make Pomelo jam easily enough without pectin, since it has so much of its own.

Pomelo Jam

3 large pomelos

1 ½ cups granulated sugar

1 tsp. dried thyme

Small pinch of salt

¼ Cup water

  1. Peel pomelos, remove fruit from pith, being sure to get as much of the white bits off the fruit as possible.
  2. Add the pomelo and sugar to a large saucepan, along with the water and turn the heat on medium. Stir frequently as the fruit releases juice and the sugar melts. Raise heat once there is more liquid in the pan and bring the mixture to a boil. Continue boiling, stirring constantly, until the jelly reaches 220°F (105°C).
  3. Remove from the heat and let cool. Transfer to a jar with an airtight lid and store in refrigerator.

Great on buttered toast or English muffin.

More Recipes HERE

Pomelo
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