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A squelched bamboo fire, the brave rescue of a drowning pup, a promising new police officer, the retirement of one of our long-time, well-known public works employees, and an ambitious upgrade to our sewerage infrastructure make the news this month.
And wasn’t there something else? Oh yes, right –
WE’RE HAVING A BIG 100thBIRTHDAY CELEBRATION ON JUNE 24th! As if you didn’t know …
Councilwoman Stephanie Brannagan, her team of volunteers, all of our volunteer services and borough departments, and othershave been hard at work putting together the party that will mark Little Silver’s voyage into its second century as the special little family town that it is.
Food and drink, games, activities for all ages, music by some terrific local talent, a fireworks display, and more will mark the big event on the fields behind Borough Hall, scheduled to begin after the opening parade, which steps offat 3 p.m.
Little Silver residents past and present are welcome. Sponsorships are still available. Find out more elsewhere in this newsletter, and at littlesilver100.com. See you there!
One of the departments that has been especially busy preparing for the big celebration is Public Works. One resident and veteran public worksemployee, however, will be able to just enjoy the event – this time, others will be doing the prep work.
Nick Hubbard, a long-time resident, former Fire Chief (how many years, Nick?) and for many years the big man you may most frequently have seen operating the tall loader picking up brush and limbs, has retired after 38 years with the department.
Please wish Nick well when you see him, along with his wife Cathy, son Nick Jr. and daughter Melissa. Nick’s efforts, sometimes under harsh conditions, have helped our DPW make Little Silver a safer, cleaner, and more enjoyable place to live.Congratulations!
Over at the Police Department, new officer Matthew McGrady has joined the LSPD, bringing the department to a full complement of officers.
Officer McGrady has a bachelor’s degree in business from Rutgers University, began his policing career in Spring Lake (he was born and raised in Spring Lake Heights), and most recently worked as a full-time Class II officer for the Colts Neck Police Department.
Chief Paul Halpin welcomed Officer McGrady at his recent swearing-in ceremony, where he was surrounded by family and colleagues; the chief noted Officer McGrady’s exceptional skills, unwavering dedication and genuine compassion.
Please welcome Officer McGrady when you see him around town.
Regarding the fire department, many of you noticed the relatively tall flames from the bamboo fire near Prospect and Point in May.The LSFD, EMS and Fire Police responded, and the department was able to knock down the fire without damage to property.
Thanks to our professional volunteers, and back up from surrounding towns, for your quick response and willingness to put yourselves in harm’s way to keep us safe.
And not just us – our pets, too.
One of our fire department’s cadets, Brady Walsh, recently pulled a drowning German Shepard mix named Loki from the frigid waters of the Navesink River, saving Loki’s life.
Brady, 17 and a junior at RBR, initially jumped in and swam out to him, but realizing he might end up needing a rescue himself – this was in March - swam back to shore and procured a paddleboard, and returned to the water to retrieve Loki and bring him safely to shore. Both were exhausted and seriously chilled.
Brady was honored with his own day, as proclaimed by County Commissioner Ross Licitra (also the executive director of the SPCA) at a recent Borough Council meeting, and with a resolution from the Borough Council. And the 200 Club will honor Brady and others at an upcoming dinner.
We’re proud of Brady and all our volunteer cadets in town. Thinking Brady might be a good candidate for the new Swiftwater Rescue team put together by the LSFD and EMS.
And the sewerage project? As many of you know, the Two Rivers Water Reclamation Authority has for some time been planning the replacement of a major interceptor line running under Pleasure Bay from Oceanport to the sewerage treatment plant in Monmouth Beach.
The installation, to be run in an 8-foot diameter tunnel 90 feet under the bay, is part of an $111,180,000 upgrade of lines and pump stationsthat is scheduled to begin this month with the staging of equipment.
The project, which has been in the planning since the discovery of a cracked pump station wall after Superstorm Sandy, is funded through a very low interest program established with state and federal funds. It is scheduled to be complete in mid-2026.
This badly-needed upgrade is likely to require the first increase in rates to residents in the Authority’s member towns (Little Silver is one) in 22 years, from $360 a year to $400 a year in 2024. The TRWRA is keeping the Borough informed, and we will pass along any news as the project proceeds.
As we move toward summer, our Library has lots planned.This air conditioned, wi-fi ready facility – with a beautiful patio looking out onto our fields - is such a hot bed of activity I don’t even know where to begin – books and periodicals, of course, but also presentations, classes, movies, museum passes, clubs – something for everyone, of every age.
If you haven’t been, please stop in and say hi to Anita and her crew, get a library card, and find out what you’ve been missing.
And please also remember ourParker Homestead– Keith Wells and his team schedule regular tours, events, lectures, and more. The second floor is now restored, the barns are open – one housing a premier classroom – and the Homestead has regular summer hours.
Please visit parkerhomestead1665.org for more information. And while at this national historic site dating to 1665, please visit the pond and walk the adjacent wooded trails.
Looking back to May, there were many successful events, including a town-wide garage sale; Student Government Day; our Memorial Day parade and ceremony; and the Ridge Road Run for Suicide Awareness.
As always, after recognizing those who lost their lives in battle, including seven from Little Silver, on Memorial Day, please rememberthe heroism of Little Silver resident and Air Force CaptainThomas B. McDerby.Thirty five years ago, he and his crew were killed when their jet tanker crashed near the former Howard Air Force Base in Panama. He was 29 years old, and had steered his failing craft away from a village, likely saving many lives.
Captain McDerby was not killed in battle, and therefore technically is not one of those honored on Memorial Day, so please take a moment and reflect on the perils of military service, even in peacetime. We are proud that Captain McDerby called Little Silver home.
Lastly, at the risk of being repetitive, every household and business should be signed up to receive emergency alerts. If you are not enrolled, PLEASE go to www.littlesilver.org and click on Two River Alert under the Emergency Services directory at the top of the page, or call (866) 939-0911 or borough hall for assistance.
June is the official start of hurricane season, so please get that done.
On behalf of the Governing Body, all the best for a happy and healthy summer season, and congratulations to all our graduates! As always, please call borough hall with any concerns,or contact me directly by callingmy home phone at (732) 576-8595, or emailing me at bobneff80@gmail.com.
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