JERSEY SHORE — Linda Lehman, vice president of the Jersey Shore Historical Society, was honored with the Key to the Borough at February’s Jersey Shore Borough Council meeting.

Mayor Lon Myers quoted from Brown University’s Joukowsky Institute for Archaeology and the Ancient World that, “in the ancient world, a key to the borough comes from a medieval tradition intended to confer trusts and honor upon an outstanding citizen or a friend of the community.”

He explained that, at the time when cities were walled in, receiving the key meant these honored citizens “could enter the city through the gates at any time.”

“Today, the Key to the Borough award is presented by the mayor to distinguish residents and individuals to honor their substantial contributions to the borough and its residents,” he said.

“[The] key to the borough is presented by the mayor and council in memory of [former Mayor] Ralph and the honor of Linda Lehman and appreciation for their lifetime of support to our community through teaching, community service, support of local organizations,” Myers said.

The Lehmans were both raised in Jersey Shore and taught in the Jersey Shore school district, he added. They also both served with the Lion’s Club and the Saint John Church Council and in other capacities for most of the late 90s and early 2000s.

When Ralph retired, “he told me that he was going to give the first four years of his retirement to the town,” Linda Lehman said. “I really, really appreciate the fact that you recognized Ralph, because he loved Jersey Shore and he loved the people. He was always looking for things to do.”

She mentioned his town beautification program through which he would reward residents who fixed up their homes. It was one of the things he was most proud of implementing, along with adding gas lights downtown and bringing the Rails to Trails to Jersey Shore, according to his obituary.

In other business, Myers mentioned he had been invited to speak to a classroom in the local school district.

Additionally, the Bicentennial Committee was still moving forward and he continues to seek money and donations for the celebration.

Also at the meeting, it was also announced that the Jersey Shore Little League would take over the rental lease for the Jersey Shore Men’s Softball League.

According to Borough Manager Sean Simcox, the men’s league came to an end with two years left on the lease. Jenny McDermott, president of the Jersey Shore Little League, asked if her organization could take it over.

McDermott was pleased, she said, because the Little League program will help the kids of the borough. Such a program improves self-esteem and offers a great deal of positivity to the players.

“Sports in youth not only just teaches them the (athletic) skills, but it’s going to teach them leadership skills as well,” she said.

In another matter, independent cleaner Jess Spellman was awarded the contract to clean the borough hall once every two weeks. Councilwoman Molly Hollick asked for an addendum regarding Spellman’s proof of insurance.

Besides Myers and Hollick, also in attendance were Council President Barbara Schmouder, Councilmen Scott Bierly, Jeremy Frantz, Steve Kanski and Denny Thompson, and Councilwoman Denise Robbins.

Councilman Josh Glunk was absent.

Next meeting will be on March 10.