Smodcastle, the First Avenue movie theater in Atlantic Highlands, was honored as the Business of the Month at last week’s meeting of the Mayor and Council.
Mayor Lori Hohenleitner presented the certificate of honor to partners Ernie O’Donnell of Highlands and Jeff Swanton of Atlantic Highlands, representing all partners including Kevin Smith, Ashley Genaro and Antony Zertuche in restoring and preserving the historic theater for both live entertainment and movies as well as private events and fundraising programs.
Both Swanton and O’Donnell thanked the governing body for the honor and Swanton said he was proud to be a part of preserving a childhood theater for the next generation.
O’Donnell noted he and Smodcastle partner Kevin Smith, both of Highlands, were regular moviegoers at the Atlantic highlands theater throughout their early and teen years and are proud and happy to be a part of it now.
Swanton pointed out the variety of events that take place at the theater, urging everyone to relive their own youthful times by re-engaging with theater films. Hohenleitner praised the partners for bringing business back to the theater and providing a new foundation for a popular borough attraction.
