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Articles by Muriel Smith
She Kept The Lights Burning
National Lighthouse Day is celebrated today, August 7, 2026. It marks the 237th anniversary of the congressional act signed by President George Washington on August 7, 1789, to support and maintain U.S. lighthouses, beacons, and piers.
Lighthouses of the Jersey Shore
Whether they be topped with bright red roofs, Victorian in style, at the edge of land and sea or high atop a nearby hill, New Jersey lighthouses have been a tourist attraction and draw for history buffs for as long as they have been the beacons that provide guidance and warnings to ocean going vessels of all sizes. And well they should be, considering the diversity and number of lighthouses in the nation’s third smallest state.
The Famous Jersey Shore Shark Attacks Of 1916
Fifty one years ago, the movie “Jaws” was released. Based on the book written by Peter Benchley, the plot was taken from real-life events that happened here at The Jersey Shore in 1916: It was 110 years ago in July that the borough of Matawan made front-page news across the country.
An Almost Engagement at Twin Lights
By Muriel J. Smith HIGHLANDS – If Patti Swick weren’t such a fireball of energy and enthusiasm, her fiancé Dan Feehan could have proposed exactly the way he wanted to – in one of the towers of the Twin Lights. While the engagement didn’t quite work, the Twin Lights State Historic Site and its beautiful grounds are so important to this couple that they drove to Highlands from their Linden home just to have their engagement photos taken.
New Board Member
Dr. Leonora Muhammad has joined the Board of Directors at the St. Louis Area Diaper Bank. Dr. Leonora Muhammad is the SVP, Associate Chief Nursing Officer for YesCare, and current Founder/Owner of the SiiN Institute, LLC. She is also a past adjunct clinical professor at the University of Missouri St. Louis. She is described as the nurse motivationalist, mentor, international and keynote speaker, healthcare consultant, and best-selling author.
Why does Missouri continue to tax essential items like diapers and period products?
Toddlers require at least 50 diaper changes per week or 200 diaper changes per month. By reducing the sales tax, families can buy two additional diapers for the same money they would have used to buy 200 diapers with tax. There are eight diaper banks in Missouri that serve 150,000 children annually and distribute nearly 8 million diapers to families residing in both rural and urban communities. Diaper need impacts the physical, mental, and economic well-being of children and their caregivers.
Horse Sculptures Grace the Streets of Freehold
FREEHOLD – The Half Mile of Horses Art Walk which opened this week along Main St is as artistically unique as it is a tribute to the history of horseracing and breeding industries in this section of Monmouth County. The unique parade of sculptured horses each designed and painted by a different local artist will remain along the main street until Oc. 15, Mayor Kevin Kane said this week.
Planning Board has Recommendations on Cannabis Business Ordinance in AH
ATLANTIC HIGHLANDS – With fewer than two dozen people both on ZOOM and in person at the meeting, the planning board reviewed a number of recommendations they will have to the Mayor and Council before the public hearing and possible adoption next Thursday of an ordinance which would enable both retail and manufacturing cannabis operations in specific sections of the community.
EV Charging Stations Coming to Atlantic Highlands
ATL. HIGHLANDS – “This is very good news for Atlantic Highlands,” said Councilman Brian Dougherty, after it was announced the borough has received two grants for Electronic Vehicle (EV) charging stations. Announcement of the grants represents more than a year’s work by the borough’s Environmental Commission. These efforts intensified in January when Dougherty became a councilman and was named council representative to the Commission.
Historian Nicholas Wood to Give Presentation aboard Navesink Queen
ATLANTIC HIGHLANDS, NJ – Tickets are available now for the Aug. 14 cruise aboard the Navesink Queen sponsored by the Atlantic Highlands Historical Society. Nicholas Wood, noted historian and park ranger at the Twin Lights, will be the guest speaker on the noon time cruise.
Mark Spatola Blood Drive in AH on August 9
ATL. HIGHLANDS – The annual Mark Spatola Memorial Blood Drive will be held Tuesday Aug 9 from 2 p.m. to 8 .m.. The drive will be held at the St. Agnes Parish Center on South Avenue and is chaired by Kim Spatola and Mayor Loretta Gluckstein. Mayor Gluckstein urged participation in the annual event during Thursday’s meeting of the Mayor and Council, and invited all interested persons to call her for further information.
Boards Agree on School Regionalization Vote
HIGHLANDS – -Continuing with the cooperative spirit among elected municipal officials and boards of education members that will hopefully put the question of school regionalization on the November ballot, the three boards of education approved their resolutions at a meeting last night that asks the Commissioner of Education to approve a Pre-K though 12 school district for Highlands, Atlantic Highlands, Henry Hudson Regional, and Sea Bright borough.
Prayers on the Porch in Atlantic Highlands to be held July 12
ATL. HIGHLANDS – The monthly Prayers on the Porch get together started last year by several local residents will be at 6:30 Tuesday evening, July 12, at 17 Harborview. The informal session of local residents meeting on a neighbor’s front porch or front yard for half an hour simply to pray was started by Mayor Loretta Gluckstein and several other residents who are members of a variety of religious sects or none at all in the area.
Atlantic Highlands Sailing Education Program (AHSEP) has High Standards
ATLANTIC HIGHLANDS – The Atlantic Highlands Sailing Education Program, AHSEP is well underway at its new location at Popamora Point, Highlands, and Program Director Sarah Milne is enthusiastic about the high standards of sailing knowledge young sailors are getting in the program. The Program includes two week sessions where students between the ages of 8 and 15 are separated by experience into three different divisions.
Highlands/Sea Bright/Atlantic Highlands Regionalization Plan Headed to Education Commissioner
ATLANTIC HIGHLANDS – “We are confident we will have the petition from all six entities to the Commissioner of Education and get her decision in time to have the regionalization question on the ballot in November,” attorney Matthew Giacobbe said at the Mayor and Council’s workshop meeting last night.
Atlantic Highlands PBA Establishes Bernie Sweeney Fund
ATLANTIC HIGHLANDS – “The Bernie Sweeney Fund allows us as a PBA to pick up where he left off and continue his legacy,” said Pt. Travis Morgan, in explaining the basis for establishing the fund initiated in memory of the late owner of The Shore Casino in the Municipal Yacht Harbor. PBA Local 242 had announced it ats 33rd annual ball May 27 that it had established the Bernie Sweeney Foundation under which funds are set aside to be used for those in need within the community.
Ms. Race Set for August 20 at Atlantic Highlands Yacht Club
ATLANTIC HIGHLANDS – Registrations are being taken now for the 18th annual NS Race sponsored by the Atlantic Highlands Yacht Club. Set for Aug. 20, the race is chaired by Diane Kropfl and Emily Smith. A major event of the active Yacht Club, the MS race is an annual charity sailboat race designed to benefit and raise awareness for 180 Turning Lives Around, a Monmouth County based private, non-profit organization dedicated to ending domestic violence and sexual assault in the community .
Bernie Sweeney Honored with Street Naming
ATL. HIGHLANDS – Naming Simon Lake Drive the new Bernie Sweeney Way was the borough’s birthday gift to the late owner of the Shore Casino at a festive ceremony Wednesday evening at the Municipal Yacht Harbor. Dozens of local residents and friends turned out to see the public works department uncover the Bernie Sweeny Way sign on the late restaurateur’s birthday June 29, as well as to praise his widow, Kathleen, for all she has done for the borough and its residents. Police Capt.
Sea Bright to Cover Potential Litigation Costs of Splitting from School Boards
SEA BRIGHT – Reporting that collaboration of administrators and elected officials is working well towards ensuring the question of a K-12 regional school district with Sea Bright, Highlands and Atlantic Highlands, the governing body unanimously passed two resolutions at last night’s meeting of the Mayor and Council, both advancing measures necessary or desired to ensure the question is on the ballot in November in all three municipalities.
Middletown Township Historical Society Continues to Grow
MIDDLETOWN – The township Historical Society is continuing to grow its membership and is inviting local residents to become involved in projects that help the Society to live up to its mission of preserving and promoting the history of the historic township. In a recent letter to its members, the Board of Trustees of the Society outlined some of its achievements during 2021, including an increase in its membership bringing it to more than 100 members.
Bridal Exhibit Ends Soon
SHREWSBURY – What started out as a great idea for a display at the Shrewsbury Historical Society blossomed into a unique exhibition that drew hundreds, perhaps thousands of visitors, included a display of some of the collection at Easten Branch County Library, and charmed generations of women and girls with stories of the materials and people featured in the exhibition.
AHES Student is Historical Commission's Essay Award Winner
ATLANTIC HIGHLANDS – Riley Lanigan, a fifth grade student at the Atlantic Highlands Elementary School, was honored at an assembly at the school this week for being the first resident of the borough to receive a Monmouth County Historical Commission award in the Commission’s annual essay contest for fifth grade students throughout Monmouth County.
Every MAST Graduate Heading to College
SANDY HOOK – The 69 students graduating from MAST, the Marine Academy of Science and Technology, at ceremonies on June 22 have broken several academic records and achieved a number of different fields from music and art to community service and scouting, said Marcy Kay, guidance counselor at MAST. Graduates are also recipients of more than $15 million in four-year scholarships from many colleges as well as the US Naval Academy, US Coast Guard Academy and the US Merchant Marine Academy.
Cannabis Ordinance Introduced in Atlantic Highlands
ATLANTIC HIGHLANDS – Borough Council introduced its ordinance setting out regulations for cannabis operations at its meeting last Thursday, taking the first step in what could still be a long process with input from several other municipal committees before cannabis businesses are approved for operation.
School Regionalization Proposal Discussed in Highlands
HIGHLANDS – “We are all working together to make something really good for all of us; they will be looking at us from all over because we are on the verge of something historic.” These were some of the comments at Wednesday night’s special meeting of the Mayor and Council to give all interested parties still another opportunity ask questions, get answers and give opinions on the proposed Pre-K-12 regionalization proposal for this borough, Henry Hudson Regional, Atlantic Highlands and Sea...
Students Plant Flags in Remembrance of Fallen Veterans
MIDDLETOWN – “I feel all veterans should have someone looking at for them, so if there’s anything I can do to remember a veteran, I want to help the best I can.” That’s the reason Cadet Russell Karshmer of Highlands gave for joining more than a dozen other cadets as well as numerous other volunteers in replacing faded and word American flags on the graves of veterans in Bayview Cemetery a week before Memorial Day.
RFH Club Gives Back to America's Veterans
RUMSON – A club at Rumson Fair Haven High School dedicated to community service honoring veterans and started by three students three years ago continues to thrive through a variety of volunteer activities that bring attention to the sacrifices veterans have made throughout both war and peacetime for the United States.
Annual Blessing of the Fleet at the Atlantic Highlands Yacht Club Saturday
ATLANTIC HIGHLANDS – The Rev. Jill Hubbard Smith, pastor of the Atlantic Highlands United Methodist Church, will join Atlantic Highlands Yacht Club chaplains Peter and Carol Andrews of Middletown for the Yacht Club’s annual Blessing of the Fleet. The event will take place Saturday, June 4 and boaters as well as spectators are invited to join the Yacht Club and participate in the traditional ceremony. “This is both a somber and joyous event,” said Rear Commodore Joseph Patsco.
Regionalization Question Should Go to Voters
ATL HIGHLANDS – “The Board of Education believes regionalization should go to a referendum,” local Board of Education President Elizabeth Eittreim told the Mayor and Council at last night’s council meeting. Further, she said, the tri-district study will be completed in May and the board will hold a public meeting that same month to inform the public of the findings of the long time study.
Sinatra Night in Atlantic Highlands
ATL. HIGHLANDS – There is still some time to make reservations for the Sinatra Night Dinner and Comedy event scheduled for Saturday, May 21 at the Charles J. Hesse Parish Center 55 South Avenue. Doors will open at 5:30 p.m. for the 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. event sponsored by the Rev. Joseph J. Donnelly Council #11660 of the Knights of Columbus. “Stand-up Comedian “Broccoli Rob” will make a return appearance, back by popular demand.” said Mike Napolitano, Deputy Grand Knight and Event Chairman.
Reservations Closed for Mother's Day Brunch at Shore Casino
ATLANTIC HIGHLANDS – With the dining room about filled to capacity, reservations are closed for the first annual Mother’s Day Brunch at the Shore Casino, set for 11 a.m. Sunday, May 8. “So many families asked us Easter if we could do something again for Mother’s Day, we agreed,” says Shore Casino manager Jay Strebb.
AH Residents Suggest South Avenue Park Improvements After Remediation
ATLANTIC HIGHLANDS, NJ – Several residents, many accompanied by their small children, came together with their own creative ideas on how the South Avenue Neighborhood Park should be restored as remediation of the contaminated land is close to being completed. However, agreeing with information presented by resident Thomas Broadbent, Borough Engineer Douglas Rohmeyer, confirmed that part of the park falls within 50 feet of the mean high water mark for Many Mind Creek.
Celebrating the 97th Birthday of Mayor Helen Marchetti
Group celebrates Helen Marchetti ATLANTIC HIGHLANDS – They came from the Police Department, the fire department, the Fire Auxiliary, the Lions Club, the Historical Society, the Yacht Club. They came from the neighborhood and from the nursing home where she was administrator decades ago. They came from St. Agnes Church and Borough Hall.
High Ethics, Hard Work and Lofty Goals for the New AH Police Chief
ATLANTIC HIGHLANDS, NJ – “My goals are to continue to provide the best possible service to this community and be as transparent as possible with the public, and to get the youth involved in our community so they can get to know our names and get comfortable with us.” These are only two of the high standards that are important, the borough’s newest Police Chief Scott Reinert said in his first interview after taking over the top post March 1 from retiring chief David Rossbach.
MAST Student Awarded Private Pilot Scholarship
SANDY HOOK – Cadet Tyler Smolensky of Middletown, a junior at MAST, the Marine Academy of Science and Technology, has been awarded an eight-week Private Pilot Scholarship from the U.S. Navy’s Commander, Naval Air Forces, making him the only scholarship recipient in New Jersey and one of only 20 across the entire nation. The scholarship enables Smolensky, if successful, to attain a pilot’s license to fly small aircraft at the end of the eight-week summer program.
Palm Sunday Celebrated at Care One at King James
Ruth at Care One celebrates Palm Sunday Ruth, one of the residents of Care One at King James in Middletown, showed her delight in receiving palms yesterday, thanks to the cooperative efforts of the Rev. Jarlath Quinn, pastor of Our Lady of Perpetual Help-St Agnes Church in the Bayshore and Activities Director Karen Cohen at Care One. Father Quinn had blessed palms delivered to the care center Sunday morning for distribution to all residents requesting them.
Zoe’s Emilio’s Kitchen is a Family Affair
Emilio Vicens and brother, Ruperto Vicens ATLANTIC HIGHLANDS, NJ – You stop in for a hearty breakfast or an outstanding lunch, and you come out filled with all of that and more. That’s what’s happening on Center Avenue now, near Avenue B, where Zoe’s café used to be. Only now it‘s Zoe’s Emilio’s Kitchen, and added to great food is the charm, ingenuity, and ever smiling owner Emilio Vicens, the restaurant’s new owner.
Sinatra Night Dinner and Comedy Event in Atlantic Highlands in May
ATL. HIGHLANDS – An exciting Sinatra Night Dinner and Comedy event is on tap for Saturday, May 21 at the Charles J. Hesse Parish Center 55 South Avenue, with doors open at 5:30 p.m. and offered by the Rev. Joseph J. Donnelly Council #11660 of the Knights of Columbus.
Police Officers Promoted in Atlantic Highlands
Harry Murtha sworn in as Atlantic Highlands Police Captain with his family by his side. ATLANTIC HIGHLANDS, NJ – The crowd was three deep in the borough hall meeting room, and spilled out into the hallway and down the stairs as Harry Murtha was unanimously named police Captain and Travis Sodon unanimously named Sergeant at last night’s meeting of the Mayor and Council.
Chef Tom Creates Dishes that Delight Palates at AH Yacht Club
AHYC Chef Tom Drake with local catch ATL. HIGHLANDS – Tom Drake says he doesn’t come from a ‘foodie’ family. But if you’ve ever sampled his Cottage Pie or Bangers and Mash Croquettes, or maybe his Crispy pickle brined Chicken Thigh sandwich, you’d think all he ever does is dream up unique recipes then prepare them with taste and elegance.
Congressional Candidate Speaks to Highlands Republican Club
6th Congressional District Candidate Rik Mehta HIGHLANDS – In a half hour talk before the Highlands Republican Club that was interrupted by applause six times, Congressional candidate Rik Mehta made it clear “I don’t have to run, I choose to run to better serve the people of the 6th Congressional district.” Mehta, who holds degrees in pharmacy and law and is also a small business owner, with a background in federal government, also promised to take action once elected in promoting term limits...
Volunteers Needed at Twin Lights Historic Site
Twin Lights Lighthouse looking Northward from South tower HIGHLANDS – The New Jersey State Park Service’s Twin Lights Historic Site will open its doors to visitors seven days a week this summer, increasing the need for volunteers, the Twin Lights Historical Society is inviting those interested in volunteering to attend the historical society’s annual Volunteers Day on Saturday, April 23, from 10 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. While the day is set aside annually to honor Twin Lights volunteers, Society...
Shore Casino was the Place to Be for St. Patrick's Day
Kathleen Sweeney and son Jay Strebb manage Shore Casino ATLANTIC HIGHLANDS, NJ – It was the evening after the day set aside to honor the patron saint of Ireland, but close to 400 partygoers turned out at the Shore Casino last night to celebrate the first annual St. Patrick’s Day celebration hosted by the Sweeney and Strebb family, owners of the Shore Casino. And what a celebration it was.
Children's Library Copes with Changes
MANALAPAN – A variety of programs, new creative ideas, and an enthusiasm to overcome challenges all resulted in a packed schedule for children using the Monmouth County Library system in spite of Covid 19 regulations. That was the report of Children’s Coordinator Pat Findra last month, in giving her annual report to the Monmouth County Library Commission.
Memorial for Former Mayor Peter E. Donoghue
Peter E. Donoghue reads for the public at the 2010 Atlantic Highlands Memorial Day Service. ATL. HIGHLANDS – A memorial service and celebration of his life honoring the late Peter E. Donoghue will be held at the Shore Casino on Saturday, March 26, at 1 p.m.. Mr. Donoghue died Feb. 2. Born in Montclair, Donoghue has lived in Atlantic Highlands all his life and is a 1958 graduate of Atlantic Highlands High School.
Ocean Boulevard Reconstruction and Repairs Planned
Ocean Boulevard Bridge is slated for repairs in 2023. (photo credit: Allan Dean/AHH) ATL HIGHLANDS – Borough Administrator Robert Ferragina laid out the Monmouth County plans for its reconstruction and repairs to Monmouth County roads in the borough, setting dates over the next two years.
Atlantic Highlands Parking Ordinance Approved
Railroad Avenue Municipal Parking Lot. photo credit: Allan Dean/AHH ATL. HIGHLANDS – The borough does have the right to charge for parking at its parking lots in the harbor area, attorney Jason Sena advised the governing body last week, eliminating the last bump to passage of amendments to the borough parking regulations. The Mayor and Council unanimously approved the new regulations as recommended by the parking committee after extensive and months long studies and appraisals.
After 20 Years, Still No Solution to Parking in Atlantic Highlands
There have been several proposals over the years for some type of Parking Garage at the Railroad Avenue Municipal Parking Lot. photo credit: Allan Dean/AHH ATL. HIGHLANDS – “Get to a point,” said Parking Committee member Mark Fisher, as he led a 90 minute explanation, discussion and informational session on options the borough faces concerning a solution to parking problems in the business district.
AH Commits to Nature's Beauty with Community Wildlife Habitats
Gena and Ted Loud's garden is a Community Wildlife Habitat ATLANTIC HIGHLANDS, NJ – The borough is launching a new partnership with New Jersey Audubon and the National Wildlife Federation’s Community Wildlife Habitat™ program to become healthier, greener, and more wildlife-friendly, the continuing efforts by local residents and the governing body to continue the community’s commitment to natural beauty and a friendly environment.
Celebrate St. Patrick's Day at Shore Casino
Celebrate St. Patrick's Day at Shore Casino ATLANTIC HIGHLANDS – A Gala and unforgettable St. Patrick’s Day at the Shore Casino will be celebrated Friday, March 18, Casino managers Kathleen Sweeney and Jay Strebb announced this week. “This is something Bernie would want us to do, and we’re going to do it, and we’re going to have everybody smiling!” said Kathleen. Bernie is Bernard J.
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