The eighth annual Veterans Breakfast and celebration started by the daughter of a Highlands veteran will take place this year from 9 to 11 a.m. on Wednesday Nov. 4th at Henry Hudson Regional School
Maryann Fiel began the effort to honor local veterans and their families and to thank them for their service to the country patterned after the idea started by History Teacher Mrs. Clark at Henry Hudson many years ago.
Fiel remembers in the early 1990s sitting in the bleachers in the gym watching as the school honored all the local veterans. “It was something my dad, John Coberg, talked about and appreciated so much, “ she recalls now as she adds the number of volunteers and organizations that have made it possible.
Coberg, as a veteran, was also a borough employee and well known for his cheery personality and dedication to his work in the Public Works Department.
It is the generosity of residents and businesses that have made it possible to offer more than just a tribute and a breakfast, Fiel continued. The event is co-sponsored by the PTOs of the three schools in Highlands and Atlantic Highlands.
Bayshore Recycling is making it possible for all veterans attending to receive a free t-shirt as well as gift bags and cards organized by the Hudson Key Club and advisors Diane Distasio and Paige Davis. The Highlands Business Partnership is also providing gift baskets that will be raffled off without cost for all attendees.
Veterans are encouraged to attend the event with their families.
The Nov. 4th program includes the United States Army color guards, music by the Henry Hudson Pep Band and a running slideshow with service pictures of local veterans. The entire breakfast is provided through both in kind and monetary donations as well as grants. The HHRS Education Association writes a grant that covers a portion of the breakfast and each PTO provides a donation to help cover expenditures.
“This is a wonderful opportunity for our three schools to work together to honor our local veterans and their families, “ Fiel continued.
“For the past eight years that I have been organizing this event, it truly brings me so much joy. As happens to most things, the assembly Mrs. Clark started and my dad enjoyed so much faded as teachers retired and the event became outdated. When my children began school at Highlands Elementary I approached the administration and asked if they would support bringing the event again, this time including a hot breakfast and opportunities for our students to get involved.”
Nor is it a simple little breakfast for veterans and their families. The menu includes fresh fruit, French toast, pancakes, eggs, sausage and bacon, bagels and pastries.
“This is such a wonderful event, and it’s only possible because of the amazing business and organizations in our towns in the Henry Hudson district,” the chair concluded.
Donors for the event include Bayshore Recycling, Montecalvo Disposal Services, Inc., Highlands Business Association, HHRS Education, Angry Tomatoes, Bahrs restaurant, Balloon Bar, Bay Avenue Bakery, the Proving Ground, Atlantic Bagel Co., Quick Chek, Fresh, The Girls Café, Katz Confectionary, Lusty Lobster, Jersey Shore Apparel, Wawa, Dunkin Doughnuts of Atlantic Highlands and the Henry Hudson Tri-District Education Foundation.
Veterans are urged to send service photos of themselves for the video as well as contact Fiel to registers attendance and number of family members attending.
Emails should be sent to the chairman at Maryac224@ICloud.com.
