The fifth annual Fall Taste of Highlands sponsored by the Highlands Business Partnership (HBP) will be held this Saturday, Oct. 12 from Noon to 5:00 PM.
The event will take place rain or shine. Tickets can be purchased online for $45.00 per person.
The ticket price includes a Fall Taste of Highlands map of participating businesses, free parking, and access to the Seastreak Courtesy Shuttle, which will take you to and from each stop on the map. Tickets can also be purchased at Huddy Park on the day of the event from 11AM to 1 PM.
Fall Taste of Highlands will feature an autumn theme, where food lovers will enjoy five hours of samples of diverse cuisine and cocktails from seventeen establishments throughout the town.
Participating businesses include Bahrs Landing Restaurant, Bridge Marina, Chilangos Authentic Mexican, Chubby Pickle, Farmacie by the French Market, Feed & Seed, Franny’s Pizzeria & Restaurant, Fresh, Hinlickity’s Ice Cream Parlor, Moby’s, Off the Hook, Proving Ground, Saltwater Social, Sandbox at Seastreak Beach, Seafarer Bar, Spiritual Beauty & Waterwitch Neighborhood Grocer and Gourmet.
Ticket holders should check in at Huddy Park on Bay & Waterwitch Avenues and pick up their map. A host at each establishment will stamp your map. Those who visit ALL stops will be eligible to win a prize by returning their fully stamped map to your last stop on the map.
The Highlands Business Partnership is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization. Programs and events are made possible by sponsors including, Monmouth County Tourism, Montecalvo/Bayshore Family of Companies, Bahrs Landing, Farmacie by the French Market, Feed & Seed, Dovetail Vintage Rentals, Hufnagel Tree Service, In the Garden, Off the Hook, Proving Ground, Seafarer, Sandbox at Seastreak, Valley Bank and WRAT, 95.9.
For more information on Fall Taste of Highlands, email the Highlands Business Partnership at hbpadmin@highlandsnj.com or call 732-291-4713.
Highlands, knowing from personal experience the immediate needs and utter devastation of families in the wake of horrific hurricanes, is pooling efforts and calling on volunteers and donors to bring disaster relief to Lake Lure, North Carolina, and the family of ten the borough is adopting to ensure immediate assistance.
Valerie and Frank Montecalvo
First to step up to the plate with huge enthusiasm and financial assistance is the Montecalvo Family Foundation. That generous family is matching all monetary donations for this first wave of relief up to $50,000 through their Foundation so every dollar collected during this first wave of assistance will go to those who are homeless and seeking refuge from the upcoming colder temperatures.
Highlands Police Chief Rob Burton
Highlands Police Chief Rob Burton has two trailers ready to haul to Lake Lure, once they’re filled and here is where everyone can do something as well. Tammy Tappan, a volunteer in Lake Lure has provided a list of what is needed most.
The Lake Lure police have been in contact with Chief Burton and are allowing them to drive the trailers with donations and supplies to help their residents even when town access is still only permitted for residents. Gift Cards can be dropped off at the Highlands Police Department. Financial contributions designated to the Lake Lure Community to help provide emergency supplies, rebuild homes and critical support to families can be made directly to: https://givebutter.com/westernnc or text NCSTRONG to 53555.
The borough has adopted the Kitchen family from Tryon, North Carolina, parents and eight children ranging in age from 1 to 15 who have been displaced. The borough has direct contact with a local non-profit, Força Foundation in helping this family find a temporary home. –
Rosemary Ryan
All these coordinated efforts are being led by the Highlands Volunteer First Aid, Fire Departments, Highlands Police Department and OEM and Rosemary Ryan of the First Aid and Hope for Highlands President who is putting her experience and organization skills to work getting donations and aid. Rosemary said, “I’ve been in contact with Tammy Tappan, the boots-on-the-ground volunteer in Lake Lure, who is assisting with the relief efforts. Many families are currently in shelters or makeshift accommodations, they need our help.” Some of the most critical needs, she said, are for blankets, sweatshirts, toiletries, personal hygiene products, diapers, cleaning supplies, bottled water, non-perishable food, diapers, baby formula, flashlights, batteries and battery packs.
Highlands Mayor Carolyn Broullon
In inviting everyone in the borough to help neighbors in North Carolina facing so much loss, Mayor Carolyn Broullon said “as survivors ourselves, remember how Highlands was devastated by Super Storm Sandy–12 years ago, we know what these communities are enduring. Remember our gratitude when others stepped up to help? Please join us wrapping our arms around Lake Lure, North Carolina. “We’ve been in their shoes; we know what it’s like to lose everything so let’s pull together and help those hurting.”
Valerie Montecalvo of her Family Foundation, in inviting everyone to participate in the borough’s aid, said, “These are very resilient folks; but their loss is tremendous—we are all in this together and we can provide life-saving assistance to those who need it most.”
Donations of supplies can be dropped off at Highlands Borough Police Department now until October 15. For questions or a need to pick up donation, contact Rosemary Ryan at the Highlands First Aid (732) 778-9267 or Cynthia Fair at the Montecalvo Family of Companies (732) 738-6000 ext. 214. For further information on the Montecalvo Family Foundation contact Cynthia Fair at cynthiaf@bayshorerecycling.com
She inherited not only a love for her community but also that strong feeling she has that she needs to give back in every way she can. These are the reasons Rebecca Wells says are drawing her to seek another term on the school board, this time the Henry Hudson Regional Board of Education.
A native of Highlands, Rebecca Kane Wells, like her father and brother, was a chief of the Highlands Fire Department and continues to actively serve as captain of the department. She has served the volunteer department for a quarter of a century and was its first female fire chief when she held that office in 2009. Her husband, Charles, who is the borough’s fire marshal, is also a former chief of the department.
The active ever busy professional also served 15 years on the borough council, including as council president and has been a member of the Highlands Housing Authority since 2010. That the town appreciates everything the former councilwoman has done for the borough was evidenced in 2013 when she was selected as Grand Marshall of the Highlands St. Patricks’ Day Parade.
In education, Becky served on three boards of education; she was a member of the Henry Hudson board for one term, the Highlands Board of Education until it was closed last year and now on the current board.
That is the transitional board that was appointed and will be active until January, when the five persons from Highlands and four from Atlantic Highlands who are elected in November will take office as the first elected board of the new Prek-12 Henry Hudson Regional School Board of Education. She is also a member of the Tri-District Education Foundation.
The board member feels these elected and appointed positions, her own personal experience history and continuing to stay active and allow her to see through initiatives happening in the school district will make her an effective board member. The fact the three local schools regionalized into one district this year “was a great accomplishment, decades in the making,” and she was happy to be a part of the transition.
However, she said, she feels all the work and time involved in making the progress “took many hours of administration from our true task at hand, the children and their educational goals.”
A graduate of Henry Hudson, Rebecca also graduated four years later from the Middletown Township Fire Academy, and in 2008 received a degree in business administration from New Jersey City University. She is a contract manager with York Telecom Corporation in Wall where she has been employed for 18 years.
Addressing the question of regionalization with Sea Bright in the school district, Rebecca said as a taxpayer in Highlands she would love the addition for the benefits it would bring. However, she added, “they need to be able to get out of their current arrangement with Oceanport to join us. To that end once they are allowed to be able to join another district, we have to make sure that it is financially prudent for both communities.”
The candidate said while she is aware that under current financial formula proposed should Sea Bright become part of the district “there is no way financially that Highlands can lose.” But she added “we have to be mindful that for this to successfully pass it must pass in both communities” of Highlands and Atlantic Highlands. For that reason, she said, the formula “has to be fruitful for both neighboring towns.
Wells pointed out history of the educational system in Highlands and Atlantic Highlands, citing the many shared services, including a superintendent, the elementary schools and high school have shared even before regionalization of the three schools, and cost saving measures she said have already taken place with the PreK-12 regionalization of the two towns. That includes the convenience and good sense of one single board replacing three separate boards.
“This makes it easier to streamline policies and procedures and align our three schools. In the years ahead there will be more positive changes; at this point our staff now has the ability to move throughout the district giving them more room for advancement, and career development,” The board member pointed out.
She blames the problems with the recently accomplished regionalization taking so long on the lack of direction from the Department of Education, identifying it as a governmental agency that wants and strives for regionalization yet has been a bit like a deer in the headlights when it came to merging these three small schools. “The administration, staff, students and community were all ready and on board, per the election. Our residents are ready to see any tax relief and this regionalization is just the beginning.,” she said.
As a board member, Wells feels she can administer policy by working with the Administration and strong leadership, saying “we are moving daily towards making strides to better the district. We are working hard to increase test scores while adding more programs to our overall portfolio. “
In response to the question of how she can improve that situation, Well pointed out that Covid has been a factor in education and “schools have their work cut out for them.” As a parent of youngsters in the 5th and 7th grades, as well as an adult daughter who went through the local school system several years ago, she said she is acutely aware of learning setbacks that happened. In addition to educational setbacks, there have also been social and emotional issues spawned during the Covid experience, and “we need time, and we are implementing new ways to teach our children for their overall success. “
Wells is seeking one of the two two-year terms to be decided in November by Highlands voters, along with Diane Knox, both running with the slogan, Hudson’s Bright future. Barring a surprise win by any write-in candidate, both Wells and Knox will be elected to the board in November.
There are contests for the one full three-year term, with newcomer Suzanne Thomas who is running under the slogan Leadership, Integrity, Community, being opposed by board member Irene Campell.
Four people are running for the two one-year terms representing Highlands, Donald Krueger, Regina Melnyk, Allison Burel and Kevin Ege.
Campbell, Wells, Krueger, Knox and Ege are all running under the slogan of Hudson’s Bright Future.
A horror film filmed at the historic Strauss House in Atlantic Highlands is being featured at the Smodcastle Cinemas on First Avenue opening October 16th and continuing through October 20.
The film, “What Lives Here” was written and produced by Troy Burbank and his wife Michele Burbank.
Burbank, a filmmaker who hails from Leonardo is a graduate of Middletown High School South. The movie is the story of a junk removal company lured to an out-of-state project by a real-estate agent. The agent promises an untold fortune in exchange for removing the contents of a mansion with a sinister past. What Lives Here
In addition to being filmed locally at one of the most historic mansions in Atlantic Highlands, the movie also highlights several other well-known sites in the Bayshore area, including Jaspan’s Hardware I and the Leonardo Motel as well as American Legion Post 338 in Leonardo. Production also took place at Snyder’s Tavern in West Shokan NY.
“What Lives Here” includes a broad cast, many of whom are local residents and some who have been featured in other films produced by Burbank and still available on Tubi and other media.
The cast includes Jeff Swanton, Catherine Parish, Ernie O’Donnell, Matt Riley, Ming Chen, Dan Gregory, Pete Hogan (son of Siobhan Fallon Hogan), Katie Walsh, Rob Ruvolo, Christian Keiber, Phil Kozma, Ugochukwu Onyianta, Saige Schoeller, Andrew Bane, Kerry McGann, Tammy Owens, Ron Millkie ( who played officer Dorf in the original 1980 version of Friday the 13th ), Don Jameson, Jackie Adragna, Heidi Bird, Carol Kozma, Michele Burbank, Nick Burbank, Dave Harris, Barbara Presalomsky and Rob Schnoor.
This isn’t the first film using the Strauss Mansion as a site. An earlier movie, the1979 cult classic “Don’t go in the House” with director Joseph Ellison and starring Dan Grimaldi was also filmed at the Historical Society site that is on the National Register.
Nor is it Burbank’s only film that reaches broad audiences and is getting acclaim. Currently he has “Gone For The Weekend” available on Tubi at no cost, as well as his sitcom, “On Our Own”, which has six episodes and is also free on Tubi. His first horror film, “The House at 831”, which was also filmed locally, is available on DVD. Then there’ s the short horror called “The Last One to Leave” Wasted Blind.”
Tickets for the Smodcastle Cinemas in Atlantic Highlands beginning next week can be purchased at the door and showtimes are available on the Smodcastle website for the cost of a regular movie ticket. Tickets will also be available each night on the showing.
The movie is best suited for ages 15 and older due to language, brief nudity, and violent content.
The film was funded through investors including Phil Kozma and funds through garbage removal for the 430 movie by director Kevin Smith.
The movie has already won awards including for Best director, Best Supporting actor Matt Riley and Best cinematography Marc Fratto .
What Lives Here What Lives Here What Lives Here What Lives Here What Lives Here
Build Close to 200 Highlands residents heeded the invitation of the Mayor and Council to attend a special meeting Monday night to listen to experts and ask questions concerning the proposed flood wall encompassing the borough that the Army Corps of Engineers has been designing for years.
After three hours of explanations, questions, responses, charts, reactions and opinions, Mayor Carolyn Broullon accomplished what she had set out to do……provide as much information as possible and get as much response as possible from residents before they vote on a non-binding question on the November 5 ballot.
In thanking everyone for attending the meeting, and urging at its onset for all to be respectful and courteous, knowing emotions are running high on the possible construction, Mayor Broullon turned the meeting over to the professionals from the Army Corps of Engineers and the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection to present their plans and what is necessary for them to be carried out.
While most of those present were aware of many aspects of the federal and state proposal, most opposed the idea of a 14-foot-high concrete flood wall extending from the Veterans Park area to west of Gravelly Point close to One Willow St. which could be constructed no earlier than 2030.
Residents objected to the possibility of eminent domain to acquire some of the land necessary for the current plans, others charged officials at the state and federal levels have not been transparent, others called for completion of repairs to the borough’s pumping stations before proceeding with further projects to stop flooding in a borough accustomed to high water at storm and moon tides.
There was applause when a resident charged “it’s always the government, but it’s the people who suffer,” and termed the proposal as known as “a really, really bad deal.”
There were groans when a resident painted a picture of “a rusted wall hiding the water instead of the nice little fishing town Highlands really is.”
There were more groans of discontent when another resident said “the town disappears when the wall goes up,” and questions concerning everything from how many buildings would be saved with construction of the wall to “how can we say yes when we don’t even know the design of the wall?
In the end, it was clear that while the question on the ballot November 5 is non-binding, it will give the governing body a strong message from the voters how they feel about the Army Corps continuing designing its idea for what the experts feel is the best solution and one already workable in other areas of the country against rising ocean tides studies show will continue to continue even more rise in future decades.
A Yes vote will give the governing body confidence they are doing the will of the majority by not taking any action and enabling the Army Corps and state DEP to proceed with further plans without any signatures on any contracts that would seal the deal.
A no vote would give the state and federal agencies the firm idea the borough is not interested in saving the borough from predicted extremely high tidal waters anytime in the future.
A No vote would probably put this particular program to death and could possibly have the state take a more cautious look at funding future flood control projects for the borough.
In either case, the decision made by the current Mayor and Council does not impact any decision of a future governing body until any contracts and agreements are signed between the borough and the state DEP.
State DEP Commissioner Shawn LaTourette and DEP Assistant Commissioner Jennifer Moriarty presented most of the background and study information of the proposal that was first introduced in 2016 in a clearly presented explanation on work on shore protection from Long Branch to Keansburg.
LaTourette said that shore surge has always been the biggest complaint of residents throughout New Jersey, from rivers as well as tides. He noted that while plans for the proposed flood wall for Highlands are not fully designed yet, and the Corps predicts some years to go before completion, the idea of a flood wall has been found to be the most effective link meeting the storm surge challenge wherever implemented.
“If we do not do it now, we will lose,” LaTourette opined, “this is the moment” to ensure safety. He said the purpose of the meeting was to keep residents informed and to enable the state to decide is if it should continue working with the Army Corps on completing plans for a wall in the future.
Congressman Frank Pallone’s District Director Matthew Montekio was present the entire three hours to report back to the Congressman on the opinions of the residents.
He carried Pallone’s message that there is truth in the studies that the risk of future higher flooding is “real and increasing.” He explained the experts were not present at the meeting to convince residents to proceed, but rather to advise them of the risk the borough faces and to ensure Congressional funds authorized for flood work are available and used.
Assistant Commissioner Moriarity cited the vulnerability of properties in coastal storms, citing the sea level of Highlands, and showing how flood waters have increased and will continued to increase over the next 30 decades.
Borough Engineer Joseph Rafferty also quoted high water figures by the year 2050. Raferty also explained that Zone 1 of a comprehensive overall solution to water programs are the borough’s three pump stations which forcibly move out high water, zone 2 is the runoff from Route 36 and Zone 3 is the Monmouth Hill runoff and associated silt, noting the borough is working with the Army Corps on two of the projects which will result in more safety against flooding.
The proposed wall, although its design and completed plan are yet to be completed, would definitely be 14 feet high, and would be completed sometime no sooner than seven years from now. It would require negotiations for property where necessary for the plan and there could be configurations, different proposals for the appearance of the wall and other changes before the design is complete.
Residents expressed doubt in FEMA funds, several citing their frustration with both FEMA funding and flood insurance in the wake of the borough’s devastation from Sandy and the lack of access to beaches, Sea Streak, marinas and other aspects that are a historic part of Highlands.
Cost of the project was set at $148 million, with Highlands funding approximately $13 million. But here were no firm answers on how the wall impacts flood insurance costs, the tax rate and future property values.
It was suggested that an updated study be made of the number of buildings that would be protected by the wall, so the public could be aware of the ratio saved versus the overall costs of a wall.
Residents in favor of continuing the study also asked that consideration be given to have another vote after more up to date information is obtained, plans modified and a study done on property sales and the negative impact on taxes should property values be lowered with the change in the borough’s appearance and design.
Council members decline to offer any comments on their personal opinions for the federal and state proposal, preferring to wait until after the November 5 vote to see the opinion of the public before deciding on any future action.
U-Boats K.A. Nelson will present the story of the U-Boat offensive in American waters during World War II at a public presentation Wednesday, October 16 at Bahrs Restaurant, 2 Bay Avenue, Highlands.
The program will also be offered via ZOOM.
The Offensive in American waters was a chapter in the war that focused along United States shorelines, with the East Coast the primary focus of U-boat activity against the United States.
Nelson will describe how and why this forgotten campaign occurred and the legacy it left behind.
Nelson, a former Marine and professional diver who earned his PADI Divemaster certification. K.A. lives near Philadelphia. He recently released a book on the U-Boat attacks on the United States, Killing Shore, highlighting Hitler’s campaigns along the New York and New Jersey coastline.
Navesink Maritime Heritage Association is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to engaging Eastern Monmouth County with maritime and water related historical, skill building, environmental, and recreational activities, and encouraging responsible use of the Navesink estuary through its Discover, Engage, and Sustain approach.
Registration can also be in person at Bahrs to attend the event in person. There is a $5 zoom charge for non NMHA members to help cover Zoom fees. REGISTER HERE
Speak Up The Highlands Mayor and Council is offering one more opportunity for all residents to learn more about the borough’s vulnerability to flooding and how the projects proposed by the Army Corps of Engineers will impact the borough at a special meeting of the governing body Monday October 7 at 6:00 p.m. the Henry Hudson Regional School.
Highlands Mayor Carolyn Broullon
Mayor Carolyn Broullon called for the meeting at the school rather than Borough Hall to ensure there is sufficient space for all expected to attend to learn more about the project before voting on the non-binding question on the November 5 Ballot. A previous and similar meeting several months ago was also held at Henry Hudson School and drew large crowds which would not have been able to be accommodated at Borough Hall
The question, which seeks the opinions of all residents is non-binding., meaning it is for informational purposes only to give the governing body guidance on how the majority of Highlands residents want the governing body to take action.
The question on the ballot is:
Should the Borough of Highlands accept the large-scale Federal floodwall project as presented at the May 14, 2024 Public Meeting which includes the possible exercise of eminent domain to take private property with an initial estimated cost to the taxpayers of at least $13 million in addition to annual funding paid by taxpayers for maintenance estimated to be at least $452.000 per year.”
The Army Corps and the state Department of Environmental Protection are prepared to design and construct this project, intended to reduce storm surge and damage to the borough during major storm events.
The project consists of construction of a concrete reinforced floodwall along the shoreline of Highlands and improved storm water drainage in some locations.
A recent study by the Army Corps has shown the borough would benefit from the work by reducing damage to property, businesses and infrastructure caused by storm surges and bay flooding. The work would include either the sale or possible state acquisition of some properties through eminent domain in order to complete the project along the Highlands shoreline.
Professionals from the NJDEP, the Army Corps Engineers, Highlands professionals and the Mayor and Council will be present at the meeting which also allows time for questions and public comments.
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All Saints’ Memorial Church, also known as the Stone Church, will host its 42nd Annual Candlelight Concert October 27 at 4:00 PM, featuring musicians from the New Jersey Symphony.
Violinist Eric Wyrick, Concertmaster of the New Jersey Symphony; cellist Jonathan Spitz, celloist of New Jersey Symphony; and piano soloist and chamber musician Yun Kyung Rachel Choo will be featured at this year’s concert.
The evening’s program will include selections from J.S. Bach, Debussy, Mendelssohn and Amy Beach in a performance that promises to highlight the refined musicianship of each individual and collectively, a delightful exuberance that has gained them rave reviews and national recognition.
The Candlelight Concert at All Saints’ has become an autumnal classic offering a unique opportunity to enjoy superb chamber music in a warm and inviting setting.
Tickets are $45 and include the concert followed by a candlelight reception in the parish house, giving attendees the opportunity to mingle with the performers and fellow concertgoers after the music in the church sanctuary. The church’s historic stone structure, beautiful stained-glass windows, and excellent acoustics provide a lovely setting for the traditional classical program, making it a popular event during the fall season.
A variety of sponsorship opportunities are available for this musical event which attracts attendees of all ages. Reservations can be made online at http://bit.ly/3z1KP46 . For more information call 732-291-0214 or visit the website, www.allsaintsnavesink.org.
Early in the years of the Civil War, the Milnor and Stephens families provided the land and paid for the building of All Saints’ Memorial Church in Navesink, then called Riceville. They chose the architectural firm of Richard Upjohn. Upjohn was well known for his English Gothic Revival church designs and was the architect of Trinity Church, Wall Street. The church building was consecrated in 1864 and was followed by the construction of the parish house, barn and carriage sheds, all of which stand today. All Saints’ Memorial Church was officially designated as a National Historic Landmark in 1988 and is considered a prime example of 19th century ecclesiastical design.
Hurricane Helene“We’re doing Great! These are amazing people! They all come together!”
These are the first descriptions Middletown Second Assistant Fire Chief Kevin Morrissey said in a conversation from Asheville, North Carolina, where he and two other Middletown firemen have been working since the day before the storm as part of the New Jersey Task Force #1 Team that as deployed by FEMA for the search and rescue efforts in one of the towns most severely stricken by Hurricane Helene.
The three members of the Search & Rescue team currently in Asheville are Dan Kelly, First Assistant Chief for Middletown’s Fire department and a member of the Belford Independent Fire Company, Marcelo Aguirre, who has a medical background as a Paramedic and is a member of the Port Monmouth Fire Company, and Morrissey, who is Second Assistant Chief for Middletown and a member of Middletown Fire Company #1 .
Morrissey, Aguirre and Kelly on the Task Force #1 team have been working on search and rescue efforts for the last ten days and get their rest at a base camp some 20 minutes outside the city’s most stricken areas.
In spite of all the work that has to be done, the destruction that is all around them, and the rescue efforts which always bring joy to the workers, Morrissey said it is the togetherness of the residents most impacted by the storm that is so impressive. They are resilient, he said, “they are happy we are here and appreciate all our efforts. But they are working hard and doing everything they can to pull their lives back together.”
No doubt the Middletown trio will have many stories to tell of both happy rescues and heartbreaking sights, but now they are simply concentrating on doing the job they volunteered to do.
Their neighbors in Middletown and the surrounding area can help, he said, by coordinating their own efforts in different ways. If they can validate a contact with any of the trucks bringing supplies for the residents, food, water and necessary supplies are appreciated.
Working with the Salvation Army, FEMA or other organizations that are bringing in necessities through donations of any kind would also help, he said.
The Task Force is one of 28 such teams in the devastated area, destroyed from severe flooding which came from both the abundant of rain and the mountainous terrain which has brought torrents of water and rock down into the city.
The Task Force was deployed to the site the day before the storm to be better prepared for rescues in the first immediate danger. While scheduled to return after two weeks, it is possible they cold be extended.
“We’re well-supported, FEMA has been in doing the job, we’re doing what we can, and we are all happy to be doing it,” the volunteer said.
Mayor Tony Perry once again praised all of the Search & Rescue team members that responded to the Asheville area with their advanced technical search and rescue capabilities
The Task Force comes under the NJ State Police Office of Emergency management, and receive funding from the National Urban Search & Resuce System. The teams conform to the operational procedures developed by FEMA and the US&R System and are all part of the 70-person task force, plus ground support, comprising 19 functional elements from planning, search and rescue to medical specialists, haz-mat and canine search teams. Each of the 70 positions on the teams are staffed by three deep memberships for a total of 210 members.
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“I like being involved in our small school community, and in 2020, I wanted to be more involved,” Allison Jacobs explains, citing just some of the reasons why she chose to be a member of the Atlantic Highlands Board of Education. Bright Future
She noted that she had come to New Jersey from a large school district in Pennsylvania, and “was intrigued by regionalization, so I ran for the Board of Education. It was an honor to be elected in 2021 to the Atlantic Highlands Board and to continue serving as a board member through the transition of regionalizing the Tri District. “
Jacobs is seeking the single one year term on the Board on November 5 and is being opposed by Richard Colangelo and Chelsea Witkowski.
That Ms. Jacobs is involved, educated, highly interested and dedicated to her volunteerism is evident every day. She, her husband John and their son Barnes, settled in Atlantic Highlands five years ago after her husband accepted a position in New York. “We found Atlantic Highlands and fell in love with this quaint, lovely little town with a cute elementary school in walking distance from our new home.”
Their son went to the elementary school and is now a 7th grade student at Henry Hudson.
Jacobs stayed active as a volunteer, homeroom parent, PTO member, and supporter of the Admiral Athletic Club before becoming a member of the board of education.
She served on the local board, and now on the appointed regional board,with a broad background in education.
A graduate of Penn State University, she earned a bachelor’s degree in Infancy and Early Childhood Education, later living in Alexandria, Virginia, where she was a Preschool Teacher at the Child Development Labs at the Pentagon and the Department of Labor.
Returning to her home state, she then became a Broker and Expedited Trade Resolution Specialist at The Vanguard Group.
Since the birth of her son, she works off and on as a preschool teacher and a tax preparer but dedicates most of her time to being a stay-at-home mom.
The board member can easily cite the many benefits of the schools in the district. Simply put, “there are many benefits to Henry Hudson schools. I love everything about them!”
That includes their role in the wonderful close-knit communities, small class sizes and personal relationships among faculty and staff. “Our kids are truly loved and cared for,” she exclaims. “We have a very dedicated, experienced, educated, and loving staff.
I love that our athletes play on a team and do not just sit on the sidelines warming the bench. I am impressed with how many students participate in school sports, and clubs, and give their time to assist others in the community.
I truly feel that Henry Hudson Regional School District provides excellent public education in a private school environment.”
All that being said, Jacobs admits “there will always be opportunities to improve and move forward. Education does not stand still.” Because of that, she said she continues to support initiatives that challenge students and empower faculty.
She is firm that she is “committed to making Henry Hudson Regional School District the best learning environment for all our students.”
The candidate for re-election says she is proud she served on board that brought the Regionalization for a preK-12 three board referendum to Atlantic Highlands voters and the success of that merger.
“Regionalizing the three schools has provided better resource allocation, modernizing facilities with upgrades like a new HVAC system and air conditioning, and revamping the middle and elementary school schedules tailored to enhance our students’ academic experience,” she said.
The regionalization also saved more than $1 million in lost state aid, she said, and qualified Atlantic Highlands for free preschool classes.
She also acknowledges there are residents disappointed the regionalization did not include Sea Bright and concedes that the LEAP grant study did find it feasible.
“However,” she continued, “our experts also warned of lengthy litigation and costly legal fees.”
She said the boards in Highlands and Atlantic Highlands as well as Henry Hudson have spent over $750,000 “helping” Sea Bright defend legal actions by Oceanport and Shore Regional. “That money went to lawyers – it did not go to students, town infrastructure, or anything to support our community,” she said.
Noting that both as a school board member and taxpayer in Atlantic Highlands, she could not support “wasting hard-earned money with no end in sight. “Furthermore, she continued, “until the Department of Education decides on Sea Bright’s ability to leave its current school districts, the Henry Hudson Board of Education cannot afford to move forward with Sea Bright as an option.
If the Commissioner allows Sea Bright’s exit and if regionalizing with Sea Bright benefits Henry Hudson, Highlands and Atlantic Highlands, I will work with my fellow board members to bring a referendum to the ballot again!”
Jacobs is running for the lone one- year term on the nine member Henry Hudson Board to be elected for the first time in November, Jacobs is running as part of a four member team with Noreen Higgins, who is seeking a two-year term, and Claire Kozic and Cory Wingerter, running for the two three-year terms open for Atlantic Highlands.
The four candidates are running under the slogan “Hudson’s Bright Future. “They will meet and greet voters at First Cup Coffee on First Avenue on Saturday, October 12 between 9 a.m. and 11 a.m. to answer questions and talk with local residents.
