Don Lewis

By PETE WALTON

Don Lewis, longtime curator of the Bradley Beach Historical Museum, has resigned.

“Don Lewis has informed me that he is stepping down as our museum curator,” Mayor Gary Engelstad said at this week’s Borough Council meeting. “Many people, not just in Bradley Beach but all across the area, have enjoyed his work. He has truly made a difference for our community.”

“Things didn’t work out between myself and the borough,” Lewis said when reached for a comment.

After Bradley Beach ended its agreement with Neptune City for municipal court services, reconfiguration of space in Borough Hall forced the relocation of some municipal offices to the nearby building which housed the museum and the Bradley Beach Senior Center.

The move caused the loss of much of the space which had been used by the museum.

Lewis, who has written for The Coaster on historical subjects in the past, would not comment further on his departure at this time. He says he wants to “let things calm down” before writing to thank those who have supported him and worked with him on the museum.

“I have always found Don Lewis to be an inspiration,” said Don Stine, president of the Asbury Park Historical Society. “For this not to be working out I find a little bit disconcerting and disheartening.”

“Don has a passion for history and nothing was too trivial for him,” Engelstad said. “We wish we had more space for the neverending collection that he put together. We will forever be in his debt for what he accomplished.”

The mayor said he would like the borough to consider establishing a historical society. He said Bradley Beach is looking at Belmar’s historical society as a possible model by reviewing its bylaws and membership criteria.

“It’s not fair that one person bear the brunt of the work involved with maintaining our history,” Engelstad said.

“Don always did an excellent job of documenting and preserving the history of Bradley Beach,” Stine said.

By  PETE WALTON

The Bradley Beach Board of Education will conduct a feasibility study on changing its arrangements for the borough’s high school students.

Councilman John Weber, the Borough Council’s liaison to the school board, said he met with board President Susan Monroe after reading a letter from parents seeking to end the agreements which send Bradley Beach high school students to Asbury Park or Neptune.

According to the councilman, Monroe said nothing can be done until a feasibility study is conducted.

The state has rebuffed previous efforts by local towns, including Bradley Beach, to change their long-standing sending district arrangements. However, Loch Arbour was recently allowed to switch school districts from Ocean Township to West Long Branch for K-8 and to Shore Regional High School for older students.

Parents may enroll their children in other schools but the Bradley Beach board can only pay tuition to Asbury Park, Neptune, or one of several specialized schools.

Bill and Ali Maxcy, who wrote the letter to fellow parents of children in Bradley Beach Elementary School, welcomed the study.

“We are happy about the decision,” the Maxcys said. “We hope that the board sees it through. Our research has taught us it’s not a quick and easy process. The kids deserve a quality education as well as a positive and safe school climate.”

The Maxcys, who are also teachers, said they plan to meet with other parents tonight (May 25) at the borough recreation center from 7 to 9 p.m. The couple are continuing to mount a petition drive asking for changes in the sending district agreements.

“We support the board’s effort as they move toward getting approval from the (state) commissioner of education to break the contract (with Neptune and Asbury Park),” the Maxcys said.

Weber took issue with the Maxcy’s suggestion that new arrangements would necessarily mean cost savings for the local school board.

The Maxcys enrolled one of their children at Shore Regional High School starting in the fall. They will pay $9,500 a year in tuition. The couple says Neptune charges Bradley Beach $14,500 a year per student.

“Lower tuition or contract costs [would] also save money for the board and the school as well as the town taxpayers,” the Maxcys said in their letter to parents.

“The amount a sending district would pay is not the same as parents would pay on their own,” Weber said.

In making their case for a change, the Maxcys cited a 2016 ranking of public high schools in the state compiled by New Jersey Monthly magazine. Shore Regional was No. 63, Neptune 286 and Asbury Park No. 310 of 337 schools.

The Maxcys asked parents who have not already done so to e-mail them at ChangeBBHS@gmail.com to express support and encourage the Bradley Beach school board to move ahead with its feasibility study.

By PETE WALTON

Fran Sauta, longtime secretary to the Bradley Beach planning and zoning boards and a popular figure in the borough her entire life, died over the weekend. She was 82.

“Bradley Beach’s heart is truly broken,” said Mayor Gary Engelstad. “We have lost one of the kindest, loving persons who was so committed to serving the residents of the borough.”

Sauta was born in Neptune, grew up in Bradley Beach and graduated from Asbury Park High School.

A summa cum laude graduate of Kean College (now Kean University) in Union, Sauta taught for 25 years at Neptune Middle School, where in 1995, she was named Teacher of the Year.

“Fran worked for the borough since 1983, starting as planning and zoning secretary and in 1985 became the court clerk, continuing in the court until 2003,” said Borough Clerk Kelly Barrett. “She was the first tourism secretary for the Borough of Bradley Beach. She was instrumental in establishing the Memorial Day Committee and was secretary of the committee. She helped out at one time or other in every department in the borough.”

“I will sorely miss her always positive attitude, her wicked sense of humor but mostly her compassion for everyone she met,” added Mayor Engelstad.

Most recently a resident of Manchester, Sauta was an avid reader and traveler. She served as a CCD teacher for many years at St. Luke Roman Catholic Church in Toms River.

“Fran had an unbelievable work ethic but a more remarkable outlook on life,” Barrett said. “She was always positive, never complained, was quick witted and came out with the most amazing zingers. I have heard many times over the years people say ‘I want to be Fran’ because she made the most of life.”

“Everyone could depend on Fran,” Barrett said. “She was a dear friend to me for over 30 years and it will not be the same without her. I will miss you, Frances Mary.”

A memorial Mass will be held June 1 at the Church of the Ascension, Bradley Beach, where Sauta was a lifelong member.

By PETE WALTON

Another mini-brewery is coming to the area, this one on Main Street in Bradley Beach.

Bradley Brew Project is expected to open late this year or early next at 714 Main St., most recently occupied by the Blue Marlin and home to a number of restaurants over the years.

“We can only imagine how many great memories were made at the Blue Marlin,” said owners Mike Ziolkowski and Chelsey DeMarino-Ziolkowski on the brewery’s web site. “We feel honored to call it our new home.”

The Board of Adjustment unanimously approved a use variance for the project in May, according to Ziolkowski.

“We’re thrilled about the reception we’ve received,” he said adding that he and his wife have been working on the project for more than a year.

The couple said Bradley Brew Project would be “a community focused nanobrewery,” built around “locally brewed ales and lagers with approachable personalities and unique stories.”

“We’re extremely excited and honored for the opportunity to become a local Jersey shore small business and look forward to sharing our creative and unique beers with fellow residents, tourists and visitors.” DeMarino-Ziolkowski said.

Approvals are also needed from the state’s Division of Alcoholic Beverage Control and the federal Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau. Those can take six months or more, Ziolkowski said.
Bradley Brew Project will operate with a “limited brewery license,” which Ziolkowski said will permit it to brew beer, sell directly to consumers and self distribute its product to other businesses.

Even though the license does not permit the owners to run a restaurant, Ziolkowski said the brewery will partner with local restaurants so that customers can order food to be delivered and consumed on location along with the locally produced beer.

Brewers are already working on new recipes for the forthcoming venture.

“We found a bit of time over the weekend to homebrew and work on a new amber ale recipe with American and German hops,” the owners said. “Fermented with British yeast, it will finish with fruity esters and clock in around 6 percent alcohol by volume.”

The brewery plans to donate hundreds of pounds of spent grain each week to a local farm, which will use it to feed cows.

“We plan to implement a number of similar recyclable and sustainable processes when we’re up and running,” DeMarino-Ziolkowski said.

“We have some pretty awesome things planned for this welcoming and beautiful space,” she added.

“Given our location and size, and our community focus, we want to have people be a part of it, to come in and relax and enjoy themselves,” Ziolkowski said.

By PETE WALTON

Bradley Beach Borough Clerk Kelly Barrett is the new business administrator for the borough

Barrett was hired by a 3-2 vote at this week’s Borough Council meeting. Voting in favor of the appointment were Mayor Gary Engelstad as well as council members Norman Goldfarb and Dr. Harold Cotler. The two newest council members, Randy Bonnell and John Weber, opposed the move.

In addition to the clerk’s salary of $95,240, Barrett will be paid $24,600 for her work as administrator, for a total of $119,840.

If the borough decided to hire a separate business administrator, that person would be paid $96,300, making the combined cost for the separate positions $191,540.

“This dual role is the appropriate one for a town our size,” the mayor said. “The days of a full-time borough administrator should be over. Opportunities for consolidation of positions need to be pursued when, as in this case, the individual is qualified to handle both.”

According to Cotler, the council met with four other candidates for the position. While Bonnell said the other applicants provided “very stiff competition,” Cotler said he was inclined to reject all the other resumes because he said those candidates made no effort to learn anything about Bradley Beach prior to interviewing for the job.

As the meeting began, Bonnell objected to the inclusion of the appointment on the council’s consent agenda, which he said usually includes only routine matters. Bonnell said there had been “no public deliberation” on the hiring.

“The whole nature of this position is being changed,” the councilman said. “It’s being made into a part-time position.”

Borough Attorney Michael DuPont said consideration of the appointment was in order and that the public would have a chance to comment before the vote.

Monmouth County Freeholder Thomas Arnone of neighboring Neptune City was the first to speak when the meeting was opened to the public.

“Having an outsider come in to a small municipality can be a serious problem,” Arnone said. “There’s a lot to be said for on-the-job training. I put that ahead of any education. It will be a disaster if Kelly is not appointed.”

Anthony J. Muscillo, who served as interim borough administrator after the retirement of Joyce Wilkins last fall through May 23, said he recommended Barrett for the job.

Tim Gallagher, who serves as borough clerk and administrator in neighboring Avon, also attended the meeting to support Barrett.

“She’s an excellent choice,” he said. “She lives and breathes Bradley Beach.”

Though most of those in attendance appeared to support the appointment of Barrett as administrator, some expressed concerns about how the decision was reached.

“My issue is with the process,” said resident Don Greenberg. “With one person getting two full-time jobs, neither job will get the full attention it deserves.”

“It really isn’t fair to the people who applied for the job as a full-time job and now, all of a sudden, it becomes a part-time job,” said Thomas Coan, who also cited the academic background of the other candidates.

“All we have to do is just be an employee for a really long time and we get a job that we’re not educated for,” Coan said, prompting boos and catcalls from many in the audience.

Councilman Weber said the applicants and the council were “misled” because the post was advertised as a full-time poosition that has now become part-time. He also questioned Barrett’s qualifications.

“If another town got these same five applicants and they got the same resumes, would they be hiring the same person?” Weber asked. “I think the answer is no, so if it’s not good enough for another town, I’m wondering why it’s good enough for Bradley Beach.”

Despite voting against Barrett, Bonnell said he would work with her going forward.

“I’m going to work to make her the best business [administrator] she can possibly be for any town,” Bonnell said.

The ninth annual Lobster Fest is June 24 and June 25 on the beachfront in Bradley Beach.

It features two days of fresh seafood stands, huge beer and wine garden, 200 craft and specialty vendors, six live bands, children’s activities including rides and giant water slide.

The Bradley Beach Chamber of Commerce is sponsoring the event which is being managed by The Passion Group.

Chamber Vice President John Esposito said, “We are looking forward to the Lobster Fest, the chamber’s all excited.”

Esposito said there has been interest from people throughout the tri-state area who have logged on to the event website, bblobsterfest.com to review the information.

“The website gets thousands and thousands of hits,” he said.

The chamber is running the beer garden and new this year, members will be selling bottled water at their booth.

Band Schedule: Sat., June 24, noon to 2 p.m., The Neighbors; 3 p.m. to 5 p.m., Bobby Mahoney and the Seventh Son; 6 p.m. to 8 p.m., Random Test; Sun., June 25, 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. The Gas House Gorillas and 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. Pat Roddy Band.

By PETE WALTON

A controversial rehabilitation facility on the Bradley Beach oceanfront may move to Long Branch.

Borough Attorney Michael R. DuPont told the Bradley Beach Borough Council this week that the operators of the upscale Tranquil & Quest facility at 811 Ocean Ave. intend to move their operations out of town.

DuPont and representatives of the facility will meet again on July 7 with retired Ocean County Assignment Judge Eugene Serpentelli, who was asked to serve as a mediator between the sides when another judge ordered the borough to give a group rental license and use permit to Tranquil and Quest.

“We have gotten the court’s attention,” DuPont said. “Every complaint and contact received from the community has been communicated to the judge.”

The attorney said he will learn more about the rehab operator’s future plans at the July 7 meeting.

Bradley Beach has battled Tranquil & Quest since the company first announced plans to lease the beachfront condos as housing for clients dealing with substance abuse problems.

The borough opposed the lease of the four upscale townhouse units to the rehab’s parent company but in January 2015, state Superior Court Judge Katie A. Gummer decided that the use was permitted under borough ordinances.

“There are some legal protections that these facilities have,” DuPont said. “There is some precedent for these uses.”

Rehab clients are transported from the beachfront site to other locations outside of Bradley Beach for treatment, the company says.

According to DuPont, Tranquil & Quest told the judge recently that the Ocean Avenue townhouses have been operating at 50 percent capacity, but neighbors told the council that buses continue to load and unload passengers there throughout the day.

In other business the borough is considering putting its meetings on the Internet and cable TV.

Mayor Gary Engelstad credited Councilman Randy Bonnell with an effort to improve communications between the council and residents. The mayor asked Business Administrator Kelly Barrett to look into ways for the council to televise its meetings.

Barrett said a simple camera and microphone system can be purchased for less than $2,000. The idea would be to record the meetings and make them available online the following day. The borough’s web hosting company said that approximately six months worth of meetings could be kept online under current arrangements.

Engelstad said that Verizon and Cablevision want communities to provide enough programming to fill a dedicated channel around the clock.

Bonnell noted that the borough’s zoning and planning board meetings, which have been known to run on the long side, could provide a good amount of content for a permanent cable channel.

The mayor and other councilmen praised the borough’s public works department for the cleanup following the Lobster Fest event over the weekend. Engelstad said that the borough was being compensated on a “cost-plus” basis by the organizers and that the amount paid to the town would be reported to the public at a future meeting.

Councilman Harold Cotler said the Bradley Beach Chamber of Commerce will also release the total it received through its sponsorship of the event.

By PETE WALTON

The Bradley Beach Planning Board will meet tonight (July 27) to consider updating the borough’s master plan.

At the Borough Council meeting earlier this week, Mayor Gary Engelstad said he would bring the council and Planning Board together soon to discuss future redevelopment in the town.

The mayor said developers have been “poking around” the community and he wanted to get out in front on the subject. The borough’s location between Asbury Park and Belmar, and its NJ Transit station attract builders to Bradley Beach, he said.

“Developers are coming whether we like it or not,” Engelstad said. “We want to dictate the process, not them.”

Borough Planner Jennifer Beahm gave the council an overview on possible options for redevelopment. She said the state Department of Community Affairs has revised its redevelopment guidelines in response to the public’s negative reaction to eminent domain, in which a governing body acquires private property by force. A court determines compensation if the two parties cannot agree on a price.

Beahm said the council should decide first whether or not it wants to use eminent domain. Engelstad said he would never pursue the practice, a sentiment endorsed by other council members.

The planner said the town could designate areas as being in need of redevelopment or rehabilitation. Each category has different criteria and limits on tax abatements, which are used by some municipalities to provide incentives for development.

There was no support expressed for tax abatements by the governing body at this week’s meeting. Beahm said that potential developers would likely push for abatements but the borough would be under no obligation to offer them.

Auditor David Kaplan reported on the borough’s 2016 audit. He said that Bradley Beach’s debt ratio was very low, 0.42 percent, and its tax collection rate was 99.38 percent.

Engelstad said that state Transportation Commissioner Richard T. Hammer would visit Bradley Beach to walk with borough officials along Main Street, which the state calls Route 71. The borough has been trying to get the state to upgrade crosswalks and wheelchair access along the roadway.

The borough received $15,000 from promoters of this year’s Lobsterfest on the beachfront, in addition to reimbursement of $9,000 in expenses.

Councilman Randy Bonnell said he has compared beach attendance figures and weather data in an effort to find out if Lobsterfest and other such events boost beach badge sales.

“On June 11, the beach took in $46,000,” Bonnell said. “On the Sunday of Lobsterfest, the beach took in $46,000. When it’s sunny, we make a lot of money.”

Councilman Harold Cotler asked that approval of the dates for the 2018 Memorial Day Festival be delayed until he could review the accounting of the 2017 event and the proposed contract with Sparks Marketing for next year’s festival.

The mayor said he and Borough Administrator Kelly Barrett met with Bishop John R. Schol of the United Methodist Church to discuss upkeep of the unused church property in Bradley Beach. The bishop assured the officials that the concerns raised by the borough would be resolved in a timely manner.

Beach Manager Dick Johnson presented a plaque to veteran lifeguard Walter “Jeff” Propert “in gratitude for 50 years of lifeguarding, thousands of lives protected, and hundreds of lives saved.”

The council observed a moment of silence for former councilman Robert J. Pearsall Sr., who died July 12 at the age of 85. The Asbury Park High School graduate and Air Force veteran also served on the Bradley Beach Board of Education for 24 years.

Councilman Norman Goldfarb called Pearsall “a mentor” and Cotler said that in the 30 years he knew Pearsall, “his only desire was for the betterment of the town.”

By JOANNE L. PAPAIANNI

George Moffett, who spent over 40 years working for the borough of Bradley Beach, died last week.

Moffett never married and had no children. His only brother is deceased, but other family members are holding a viewing and memorial service for him at the West Grove Methodist Church on Walnut Street in Neptune at 9 a.m. Mon., Aug. 21.

After the service there will be a military service at Memorial Park on Route 33 in Tinton Falls for Moffett who was a United States Marine. Attendees will be invited back to the church for a repast, said Borough Administrator Kelly Barrett.

Moffett, who served as borough clerk as well as a member of the Borough Council,was remembered fondly by co workers and residents of the borough.

“George Moffett was the epitome of class and dignity while serving Bradley Beach for over 25 years as a Borough Clerk and Councilmember,” said Mayor Gary Engelstad. “In my early years as a Councilmember, he was a valuable friend who helped me navigate the intricacies of public service in Bradley Beach.  The borough will always be grateful for his significant contributions to our town.  He will be sorely missed.”

Retired Business Administrator Phyllis Quixley, who replaced Moffett after he retired, echoed his comments.

“George was something special; there will never be another George. He was a perfectionist but he taught me everything I know. He was tough,” she said.

“He was so dignified. He was a very special person, everybody learned a lot from him,” said Quixley, who worked in the borough 40 years in various positions.

“He hired me,” she said.

Current administrator, Kelly Barrett, said Moffett hired her to work in the borough in 1985.

“He was a wonderful human being, he was always very professional. He did a lot of volunteer charity work with children,” she said.

Former Police Officer and Councilman in Bradley Beach, Tom Volante, said, “I’ve known him all my life, he was a nice man…I was sorry to hear that, George was a real good guy.”

Volante said as a police officer he often worked with Moffett who was the borough clerk at the time.

Volante also recalled that while growing up across the street from the Methodist Church in the borough he often saw and spoke to Moffett who was very active at the church.

In the space of just a few months Bradley Beach lost three longtime residents and employee. Frances Sauta, a longtime employeem and retired Councilman  Robert Pearsall both died earlier this year.

Referring to the recent death of Pearsall, another former councilman, Volante said of Moffett, “Honestly, another Bradley Beach legend is gone.”

Congregation Agudath Achim of Bradley Beach honored the local emergency service providers Sat., Aug. 12 in a ceremony in their synagogue, attended by 150 people.

Rabbi Maury Kelman noted that gratitude is one of the most important fundamentals of Judaism, and the community thus wanted to thank the police, fire and first aid departments for their life-saving work that protects and secures the Bradley Beach community.

Police Chief Leonard Guida spoke on behalf of the emergency providers, thanking the synagogue for recognizing the hard work of the borough’s service providers.

After the ceremony, Chief Guida was joined by Lt. Edward Scott and Borough Councilman Norman Goldfarb in judging the second annual Chulent Cookoff, in which synagogue members prepared this special Jewish dish (cooked overnight and somewhat akin to chili).

Winners received gift certificates from local restaurants such as Down To Earth, Sarah’s Tent and M & A Kosher Meat.

On the previous Sunday, the Bradley Beach Jewish All Stars played members of the Police Department in their first annual basketball contest when police emerged victorious.

“The synagogue has many other activities planned, including before and during the High Holidays, and invites all those interested to stop by and see what all the buzz is about,” Kelman said.

By PETE WALTON

Demolition is underway at the former Giamano’s restaurant on Main Street in Bradley Beach.

After a 30-year run, owner Steffan Manno closed the business in January.

In 2015, Manno obtained approval from the borough to erect a three-story, mixed-use building with residential units on the upper floors and commercial space at ground level.

“We’re glad that the process has begun,” said Mayor Gary Engelstad. “We know that progress requires a little dust now and then. We’re excited about this development and what it will bring to our rapidly improving Main Street.”

Manno said he worked with members of the Bradley Beach Planning Board, other town officials and residents on a new design for the site after a earlier proposal for a four-story building was rejected.

“This is something that will support downtown Bradley Beach, support Main Street and support every other business on Main Street,” Manno said when the revised plan was approved.

The borough has not been notified as to when Manno expects to begin construction, officials said.

The restaurant site and three adjacent lots are owned by Manno and several partners under the name of Third & Main Associates LLC.

According to Monmouth County tax records, the total assessed valuation of Third & Main’s properties is nearly $1.73 million, of which approximately $1.28 million is the assessed valuation of the land.

After the improvements to the properties are taken down, Third & Main’s tax bill will be based on the value of the land alone until new construction takes place.

By PETE WALTON

Bradley Beach’s dispute with an oceanfront rehabilitation residence and its landlord will go to binding arbitration.

Municipal Attorney Michael R. DuPont told the Borough Council this week that the owner, Simone Realty Inc., has agreed to allow retired Ocean County Assignment Judge Eugene Serpentellito decide on the issues between the sides.

DuPont said Serpentelli will hold an arbitration hearing in January.

Operators of the upscale Tranquil and Quest facility at 811 Ocean Ave. said they planned to use the building to house people who were undergoing weight loss treatment rather than for drugs and alcohol, as they have in the past.

The borough’s position is that Tranquil and Quest has been operating as a business rather than a residence.

According to DuPont, Serpentelli was receptive to the borough’s arguments. He said the case could have been referred to state Superior Court but it was “very good news” that Simone agreed to arbitration.

When Simone was unable to sell the four residential units after construction, he took what Mayor Gary Engelstad described as “a shocking step of leasing the property to a provider of rehab services.”

After the borough opposed the arrangement, Simone sued under the Fair Housing Act and in January of 2015, state Superior Court Judge Katie A. Gummer ordered the town to grant a group rental license and a use permit.

Serpentelli agreed to serve as a mediator in an attempt to resolve the town’s concerns, including those raised over the last year by the borough’s revitalized Quality of Life Committee.

On their website, Tranquil and Quest advertised what they called “the first beachfront sober living option in New Jersey,” with “luxurious and modern recovery services for those struggling with addiction to drugs and alcohol.”

Also at this week’s meeting, the council approved a resolution asking the Monmouth County Board of Chosen Freeholders to encourage construction of a county recycling processing facility.

“Monmouth County is the only large population county in New Jersey that does not have an in-county facility to process recyclables,” the resolution says. “As a result, the Borough of Bradley Beach is currently paying $30 to $40 per ton to process its single stream outside Monmouth County.”

The resolution, prepared with the help of the borough’s Environmental Commission, says the town could save $20 per ton in shipping fees if an in-county facility were available.

According to the commission, the freeholders said they would make an overture to private companies about such an operation in July.

“However, to date this has not happened,” the resolution says.

The council approved a request from the nonprofit Rally Cap Sports to conduct a fall beach soccer program for special needs persons on the Cliff Avenue beach from Sept. 19 through Oct. 24. The activities would take place on Tuesday evenings from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m.Engelstad congratulated representatives of the group for their successful beach volleyball program this summer.

The mayor asked the borough’s new library director Janet Castelpietra to introduce herself to those in attendance at the meeting. She said she worked at a library in Mexico City for four years before coming to the borough. Castelpietra replaces Janet Torsney, who returned to Montclair after overseeing construction of the Bradley Beach library’s handicapped accessible addition.

Engelstad urged support for a technology program undertaken by the Monmouth County Social Community Activities Network (SCAN) to put tablet computers in the hands of seniors and teach them how to use them.

The mayor said the program could be cancelled if not enough people participate. He said the sessions are open to residents of Bradley Beach and surrounding towns on Wednesdays through Nov. 22. Details are available from SCAN at 732-542-1326.

By DENISE HERSCHEL

The Ladies Auxiliary of the Bradley Beach Fire Department is celebrating its fifth year for the annual Fall Craft and Vendor Show this month on  Sat., Sept. 30  from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.

All of the  proceeds from the event will be used to support the volunteers of the Bradley Beach Fire Department and according to Pam Cicerelle, an Auxiliary Member for more than 25 years, the event began five years ago at the borough firehouse.

“But in the past three years we have been at Riley Park on Main Street because there is more traffic there for the vendors. We have been growing each year with just about 50 vendors this year,” she said. “We have vendors selling everything from sea glass to  handmade bird houses and homemade crafts. There is really  something for everyone!”

In addition to vendors, there will also be baked goods sold by auxiliary members and the Cubano X-Press food truck along with music provided by DJ Jay.

Cicerelle, who is the craft coordinator, has also had assistance with the event from committee members Denise Lemmon, Michele Whille, Kathy Rotmansky and Rose Crespo.

“This fundraiser is important because it is an outside activity with food and entertainment for the whole family. It is is also an opportunity to find unique hand-crafted gifts as well,” she said “Over the years we have manned a booth at the Memorial Day Festival, helped at Lobsterfest, and have held various  raffles. The money raised is to help the fire department in purchasing new equipment and supplying the Ladies Auxiliary bus with needs if there is a fire and maintenance to our truck.”

The Ladies Auxiliary of the Bradley Beach Fire Department is a group of volunteers dedicated to supporting the volunteer firefighters and fire department.

The group’s  only form of funding is through donations and 100 ercent of their fundraising and profits are directed to the needs of the fire department, whether it be for equipment, uniforms, education and training.

There are currently 30 members who meet the first Wednesday of the month at 7 p.m at the borough firehouse on Main Street.

The group is always looking for new members and all are welcome to join by attending a meeting and signing up, according to Cicerelle.

Dues are $10 per year. For more information contact bbladiesaux@hotmail.com

By PETE WALTON

Bradley Beach officials have honored lifeguards, private citizens and Coast Guard personnel who rescued four people from rough surf this month.

“On Sept. 5, two young girls ages 12 and 13 were swimming off the Second Avenue Beach and began struggling in the water,” said Mayor Gary Engelstad. “Their mother attempted to help and was soon struggling as well. Trent Colanduoni and Gene Zachs, both private citizens, were on the beach and went in to rescue them.”

The mayor presented certificates of appreciation to Colanduoni on behalf of the two men, who operate a concession at the beach.

“On Sept. 17, two adults were swimming in extremely rough surf off Park Place Avenue beach and were caught up in a rip current and pulled out to 600 feet offshore,” Engelstad said. “Michael Rosenberg, a former Bradley Beach lifeguard, was on the beach, grabbed a surfboard and swam out to rescue the people in distress.

“Bradley Beach lifeguards Jake Niedenstein and Brian Perkins grabbed two [rescue] torpedoes and went to assist. The three men stayed with the people in distress until the Coast Guard arrived,” following notification by Bradley Beach police, the mayor said.

Engelstad presented certificates to Coast Guard Petty Officers 2nd Class Michael Robertson and Bryan Freeman, as well as Fireman Sebastian Tosatto and Seaman Christian Green. The four men pulled them onto their Coast Guard vessel to safety.

Also at its meeting earlier this week, the council approved a resolution in support of the Mid-Atlantic Regional Ocean Action Plan, developed by state and federal agencies in conjunction with fisheries managers, tribal nations and environmental groups including the Sandy Hook-based American Littoral Society.

“It’s a tool we need to ensure healthy ocean ecosystems and sustainable ocean economies,” the society’s Helen Henderson told the council. “From local municipalities to recreational fishing groups, the Ocean Action Plan will help us protect the ocean environment, support a blue economy, and work better with our state and federal agencies.”

The council introduced an ordinance amending the borough’s environmental regulations to prohibit the intentional release of balloons, which come back to the ground and the ocean, posing a danger to fish and wildlife.

Also introduced was an ordinance vacating any public rights to a 10-foot wide alley between lots at the former Giamano’s restuarant site. The borough has approved future development of the lots as proposed by Giamano’s owners.

By DENISE HERSCHEL

For the past four years the response to the Friends of the Bradley Beach Library’s Psychic Fair has been widespread with attendees even venturing from as far as the New York City area to have their futures be told.

This year’s fair on Thurs., Oct. 12 from 6 to  10 p.m, promises to be just as well-attended with eight experienced psychics from Monmouth and Ocean Counties as part of the four-hour fundraiser. Event chairwoman Kathie Deak, a member of the Friends group, said that all who come will be treated “to a fun evening” with wine tasting and a spooky book sale included in the event.

“We have always had an awesome response to it and we have sold out. More than a hundred people typically come out to the fair and I think it is because it is something unique and people are really interested in what the psychics have to say. For some it’s fun and for others they really are into the readings. We get mostly women coming for a girls’ night out but we do get some men attending also,” she said.

The event is sponsored by the Friends of the Bradley Beach Library with proceeds benefiting library programs and continuing upgrades to the library. Deak began this event some years ago after her sister’s suggestion.

“We were looking for ideas and my sister had told me she had done it with her ladies auxiliary at the Silverton Fire Company. People who have attended our psychic fair have been amazed at the readings they get and return time after time,” she added.

There is a $20 donation per 10-minute reading with cash, credit cards and checks made payable to the Friends of the Bradley Beach Library accepted.

In addition to psychic readings there will be wine tasting and a spooky book sale. Readings begin at 6 p.m. and end at 10 p.m. Walk ins are also welcome with a comfortable waiting area available.

“We have one man who comes every year to our events. He said it has been awesome and he was the first one to sign up this year!” she said.

The Psychic Fair to support the Bradley Beach Library takes place at the Bradley Beach Fire Department Banquet Hall, 815 Main Street (rear). Call to pre-register – Kathie at 732-775-4003 or Donna at 732-361-3724.

Bradley Beach Police Chief Leonard A. Guida said three life-saving stations have been installed on the beaches at Park Place Avenue, Brinley Avenue and Third Avenue.

The stations consist of a cabinet that contains a life ring with a rope and instructional signage.

Guida reminds residents, however, that the first step in any emergency situation is to call 911 or use the direct line at 732-775 -6900.

Citizens can pull open the life ring cabinet and deploy the life ring and rope by throwing the ring directly towards the swimmer in distress or, into the rip current for floating travel at a greater distance.

Guida said a person should keep the swimmer in their view which is the safest way possible in order to direct first responders to the swimmers precise or last seen location.

The chief advises that a life ring is one of the most effective ways to save a drowning victim, especially from docks and beaches.

“We thank Bill Fancher, Supervisor ofthe Monmouth County Sheriff’s Office Dive Team, who was instrumental in bringing this concept to fruition,” Guida said. “This initiative provides another option to the general public by adding practical and easily deployable equipment, rather than entering the ocean and possibly placing themselves in danger. We consistently try to educate the public on the dangers of the ocean, however we continuously see swimmers ignore the warnings. We have some of the best life guards along the shore as well as our local and county water rescue teams. However, the majority of swimmers in distress calls occur when the life guards are off duty and beaches are closed.”

Guida said the  police department with the support of the governing body will continue to look at best practices to ensure the highest level of public safety for the residents and visitors of Bradley Beach.

The best  method for ensuring public safety requires outreach to educate the public on the potential dangers of the ocean, which is a huge part of this initiative, police said.

Guida also stressed that no one should swim on unguarded beaches and they should always heed the red flag warnings, as well as media alerts at all times.

By PETE WALTON

The Bradley Beach Borough Council approved an ordinance giving up its rights to a former alleyway on the site of the former Giamano’s restaurant on Main Street.

The vote was 3-0 as two council members were not present.

Mayor Gary Engelstad said the developers of a proposed mixed-use building on the property would use the land to help provide enough parking spaces as requested by the borough.

Councilman Randy Bonnell said the former alley would be reopened once construction was complete.

Thomas Coan, a resident, asked the mayor if the borough had obtained an appraisal for the value of the land. The mayor said that there was no appraisal. He said that the council believes that the value to taxpayers from the completed project made the land transfer worthwhile.

Bonnell said the size of the vacated land is 3,000 square feet.

At the request of a resident who spoke during a public hearing on the ordinance, Engelstad said he would find out if the developer, Third & Main Associates LLC, could be required to pay any costs associated with the land transfer.

Plans for the three-story building call for residential units on the upper floors and commercial space at ground level. The restaurant closed in January after 30 years in business. Owner Steffan Manno and several partners formed Third & Main Associates to undertake the redevelopment.

The building was demolished late in the summer and the fenced-off lot is now cleared.

Also at the council’s meeting earlier this week, the mayor and Municipal Clerk Kelly Barrett were authorized to execute the borough’s new contract with PBA Local 50.

Engelstad said the number of steps in the contract were increased from eight to 14. A 2 percent pay increase is applicable only to those officers not covered in the step system. A longevity clause was eliminated for new hires.

“Future councils are going to be thanking us,” the mayor said.

At its next meeting, the council is expected to change the date on which dogs are permitted on the beach to begin on Oct. 1 instead of Sept. 15. Residents and council members urged dog owners to comply with borough ordinances requiring them to pick up after their pets and keep them under control.

Councilman John Weber said that the Bradley Beach Elementary School PTO would hold its annual fundraiser at the Columns in Avon on Fri., Oct. 20. Engelstad and Bonnell joined Weber in urging residents to attend and have an enjoyable time while supporting a worthy cause.

By PETE WALTON

Beach badge prices will go up in Bradley Beach next summer.

The Borough Council voted to increase the cost of daily badges from $8.50 to $9. The price had remained steady for three years.

Season badges will cost $75 instead of $70.

The price of advance season badges will remain at $65. The cost of senior citizen beach admissions will also stay the same.

Councilman John Weber was the only vote against raising the daily rate. He asked Borough Administrator Kelly Barrett if last yearís beach receipts covered expenses. Barrett replied that the costs were covered. Councilman Harold Cotler said that the beach utility surplus had to be used to balance the beach budget. He said the surplus would be restored with the 50-cent increase, allowing for any unexpected beach expenses.

Mayor Gary Engelstad was the lone vote against raising the annual fee to $75.

Also at its meeting earlier this week, the council set the rental fee for the boardwalk gazebo at $150 with a $150 deposit. Renters will be advised of the rules and regulations for the use of the gazebo at the time the fee is paid.

The borough will charge $500 for new beach lockers, up from $475 to cover the cost of installation.

Councilman Randy Bonnell circulated aerial photos of various areas in the borough to illustrate the proliferation of buildings relative to vegetation. He brought up the subject during a discussion of possible changes in the town’s master plan.

The borough Planning Board is in the process of reviewing suggestions which have come from the council and citizens. Engelstad asked Planning Board Chairman William Psiuk to report the panel’s recommendations to the council on an ongoing basis rather than wait for a complete report once the review process is complete.

Councilman Norman Goldfarb announced that the borough will take part in Operation Take Back on Sat., Oct. 28. Residents can drop off old medications at the police department from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Engelstad said the annual Halloween parade will take place Mon., Oct. 30 at 6 p.m. Participants should register at the fire house.

Cotler invited residents to attend a meeting in council chambers on Tues., Nov. 7 at 6 p.m. to discuss ideas for Bradley Beach is 125th anniversary, which will be celebrated next year.

The mayor asked anyone interested in helping to establish a new historical society to contact the borough administrator’s office.

By DENISE HERSCHEL

The official holiday shopping season has begun and helping and the Friends of the Bradley Beach Library is ready to find that perfect gift for a beloved teacher or family member.

The group is holding its holiday jewelry sale Fri., Dec. 1 and Sat., Dec. 2  at the Bradley Beach Library’s Community Room, the sale runs from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. Friday and from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday.

According to Lenore Decovsky, jewelry sale coordinator and Friends of the Bradley Beach Library member, the fundraising event typically attracts well over one hundred attendees who are looking for gifts at reasonable prices.

“This is the third jewelry sale run by the Friends group. All of the proceeds from the sale benefit the library, providing funds for various library projects and programs.The sale consists of costume jewelry at very reasonable prices with most items in the $1.00 to $15.00 range. Items for sale include earrings, bracelets, necklaces, rings, cuff links, pins, and scarves. All of the jewelry has been donated to the library for this event,” she said.

Decovsky added that the sale should appeal to all and “besides being fun for ladies who love jewelry,” it’s an opportunity for holiday shopping.

“It’s great for stocking stuffers, gifts for the kids to give to friends, teachers, sisters, and moms…or to collect for themselves. I think the very reasonable prices make this attractive for the kids’ gift giving. It gives them an opportunity for purchasing holiday gifts on their own,” she said.

According to Decovsky, who has been a member of the Friends group for the past five years, the objective of Friends is to organize fundraising opportunities within the community for support of the library. The jewelry sale is another fundraiser which includes previous library fundraising events such as the Downtown Abby Tea, the Walkathon, the Psychic Fair and the Brick Memorial Wall sale.

“The Friends is a 501c (3) fundraising arm of the library working in conjunction with library staff and the library Board of Trustees. We are a strong voice for promoting advocacy of our library. There is much more we want to do to make our ‘great little library’ the best it can be,” she said.

For more information about the upcoming December jewelry sale or to learn more about becoming a member of the Friends of the Bradley Beach Library call the library at 732-776-2995.