Happy Holidays from the Schiavo Library

Hi everyone,

Just wanted to wish you "Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays," and share some news from the Library.

We now have a book drop - it's a big metal box (looks like a mailbox) located next to the front doors. If you need to return books or videos after hours, this is the secure and convenient place for them.

We now receive the Philadelphia Inquirer (a wonderful addition to our daily and weekly newspapers), thanks to a generous donation by a Schiavo Library member.

With the help of volunteers Marion and Jessica, we've added 230 books to our collection and expanded our selection of DVD's and VHS tapes.

Next week we will be open on Tuesday and Wednesday. Then we return to our normal schedule on January 5th, 2010.
Please stop in, say hello, and enjoy the resources of this wonderful library.


Christine Rohrman
Library Director

Season Greetings from the Strathmere Improvement Association

The Strathmere Improvement Association -

Butch Vandegrift - President
Ken Weaver - Vice-President
Donna Diefenderfer - Treasurer
Debbie Vandegrift - Secretary

Storm Warning Upgraded

A storm update from the Strathmere Improvement Association -

The Winter Storm Warning for tonight through early Sunday has been changed somewhat, as the storm is now expected to track somewhat closer to the coast.
While this may mean Strathmere will get somewhat more of a "mix" (less, but still significant snow), the tidal flood warnings have been increased by six inches, upping the flood projections from "Minor" to "Moderate" and the beach erosion from "Moderate" to "Severe". During the height of the storm, sustained winds will be 25 to 35 mph with gusts of 50 mph blowing the rain (tonight) and snow (tomorrow night).

Please move cars and other items in the flood zone before the high tides of both Saturday morning and Sunday morning!

 
The Strathmere Improvement Association -



Butch Vandegrift - President
Ken Weaver - Vice-President
Donna Diefenderfer - Treasurer
Debbie Vandegrift - Secretary

Newsletter From the SIA - Winter Storm Warning for Saturday; Dune Fencing; AC Electric Project; Twisties; the "Ramp"; Say "Hello"

By now most of you have no doubt heard of the approaching winter storm. We are expecting snow early Saturday morning, perhaps changing to rain at mid-day and back to snow in the evening. "Minor" tidal flooding and moderate beach erosion is anticipated. Attached is a presentation from Thursday morning by the National Weather Service in Mount Holly.

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There has been much activity in Strathmere this week! The New Jersey DEP and the Township have jointly hired Ecological Restoration and Management, Inc, to provide fencing and plant dune grass at the northern end of the island.
This picture was taken yesterday (Wednesday) and since then the fencing has been completed.

They plan to plant American Dune Grass between the two rows of fencing all the way around. Below is dune grass that was just planted south of Seacliff.

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Meanwhile, contractors for Atlantic City Electric have been installing new aluminum lines on Commonwealth, replacing the copper lines feeding north from Sea Isle. The aluminum should be more resistant to corrosion and hopefully will reduce the number of outages.

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Work continues on Twisties. Most of the second floor has been framed out and they are driving a steel bulkhead.

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Contrary to rumors circulating in town, the "Ramp" at the north end of Commonwealth Avenue is not being constructed for (the late) Evil Knievel to take part in the 2010 Beach Replenishment and Dredge-Jumping competition! The Township tells us the ramp is an emergency access to the State Park. When the State completes its work, the Township will then install a gate and place landscaping along the new path. Since the picture below was taken (on Wednesday), a split-rail fence has been constructed. A beach access has also been constructed at the east end of Seaview, with split-rail fencing on either side of the new path.

The Strathmere Improvement Association - Once again, thanks for your continuing support!



Butch Vandegrift - President
Ken Weaver - Vice-President
Donna Diefenderfer - Treasurer
Debbie Vandegrift - Secretary

From the SIA - Storm Tonight; Please donate to the Food Pantry; Christmas Party Attendees?; Twisties; Lost & Found; No More Moat

In this issue: Storm Tonight; Please donate to the Food Pantry; Christmas Party Attendees?; Twisties; Lost & Found; No More Moat

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We are expecting twelve hours or more of stormy weather in Strathmere. The center of this storm will remain well inland, and is not a nor'easter so it is not expected to produce a buildup of water in the Bay. The storm will, however, produce strong onshore (SSE) winds and heavy rain. Winds will gust in excess of 40 mph. A gale warning has been posted until 1:00 pm tomorrow (Thursday). A high surf and coastal flood advisory is in effect for tomorrow morning's high tide around 8:00 am, when we can expect strong surf and beach erosion.
Although buildup in the bay is not expected, the full moon was this morning, so if we have heavy rain at tomorrow morning's high tide, rainwater may not be able to drain and we'll have (freshwater) street flooding. Be careful with your cars.

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As you are aware, the Holiday Season this year will be especially tough for many who have been adversely affected by the economy.
The Strathmere Fishing and Environmental Club (SFEC) is having a food drive this Saturday, with donations going to the Community Food Pantry at the Church of the Resurrection in Marmora. If you can donate, please bring non-perishable food items or make a cash donation (make checks out to SFEC - notation: Food Pantry) to the firehouse on Dec. 5th between 2pm and 4pm. Some donation suggestions are: cereal, juice, coffee, pancake mix, syrup, catsup, mustard, mayonaisse, canned fruit, tuna, canned meat, paper towels, dish detergent, personal hygiene items, bar soap or deodorant (all non-perishable items are welcome). Any questions or for local donation pick-up, call Randy Roash at 609-970-2362. When you shop for the weekend, please fill a bag for those more needy! Thanks.

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Work continues on Twisties. The house and driveway are both out at Bayview, with the roof of the house removed for the second floor renovation.

As noted previously, the Strathmere Christmas Party, sponsored by the Volunteer Fire Company and the SIA, will be held at 6 pm on Saturday, December 12.

We really need to hear from you on the name, age and gender of any child (13 or under) who will be attending, so we can help Santa prepare! You can respond to this e-mail sia6@comcast.net

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Lost & Found Update - While we were not able to locate the kayak that went missing in a previous storm, we do have a "found" kayak pictured below.

Alas, no one has yet reported finding the two "smart vents" below. If you can help us with either the kayak or the vents, please respond to this e-mail. Thanks much.

Also, the "moat" at Seaview and Neptune has finally been filled in. Hooray!

Thanks again for your continuing support!

The Strathmere Improvement Association -

Butch Vandegrift - President
Ken Weaver - Vice-President
Donna Diefenderfer - Treasurer
Debbie Vandegrift - Secretary

SIA Newsletter - New Library Director; Twisties; Christmas Party; Lost & Found; Free Toll

From the Strathmere Improvement Association -
In this issue: New Library Director; Twisties; Christmas Party; Lost & Found; Free Toll

This is Christine Rohrman and she is the new Library Director at the Schiavo Library. October 27th was her first day on the job. She is a retired elementary school librarian - from Valley Park School Library in Pennsville, New Jersey. Her husband and she retired to Wildwood a little over a year ago from West Deptford, NJ. She is thrilled to be "down the shore" and especially working in this lovely town at our beautiful new library.

Please stop in and welcome Christine!

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Work continues on Twisties. The "house" now sits on the driveway while its former site is prepared for moving the bar back there. Then the new pilings can be driven for the bar, which will next be raised and placed back out by the bay.

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The Strathmere Christmas Party, sponsored by the Volunteer Fire Company and the SIA, will be held at 6 pm on Saturday, December 12 - 6:00 PM at the historic Strathmere Fire House

A light supper, a few hearty songs and a visit from Old St. Nick himself!
Can't wait to see you there!

Since Santa has to prepare his list for the party, please let us know the name, age and gender of any child (13 or under) who will be attending, so we can help him with that list!

You can respond to this e-mail sia6@comcast.net.


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Lost & Found Update - we are happy to report that every lost or found item from the recent storm posted here has been reunited with its owner. We were not able to locate the kayak that went missing in a previous storm.
We would like help with one more thing: two "smart vents", as shown on the floor below, went missing in the flood tides. They aren't cheap, so if you find one (or both) please respond to this e-mail so we can get them home! Thanks much.

By the way, if you haven't noticed, the bridge over the Strathmere Bay is now toll-free until next Spring!

Thanks to all for your continuing support!

The Strathmere Improvement Association
Butch Vandegrift - President
Ken Weaver - Vice-President
Donna Diefenderfer - Treasurer
Debbie Vandegrift - Secretary

Late November and December Events @ the Schiavo Library

Late November and December Events @ the Schiavo Library in Strathmere

November: “The Coastal Storm of Nov. 09”
We have newspaper articles and photos from the recent storm on display.

November 28 1:00 pm: Tree Trimming Party
Bring an ornament to help decorate our Christmas tree.
Refreshments provided.

Saturdays in December 1:00 pm Holiday Movies
Come and bring a friend.
Watch one of our movies or bring a favorite holiday movie to share.
Refreshments provided.

Update on Lost & Found Items - from the SIA

Not much success so far with our "lost and found" efforts...


Found so far and anxious to return home are:
1) This L-shaped walkway which now sits on the south corner of Bayview and Sherman:

2) These trash cans (no lids) found in the 200 block of Bayview (actually there are many trash cans lying around...): (it's a good idea to paint your house number on lids and cans)

 
Lost:
1) The mate of this red wicker chair that belongs at 205 Bayview:

2) A square, white umbrella stand that fills with water to stabilize an umbrella:

3) A Wilderness Pongo Orange Kayak (no picture) lost from 500 S. Bayview back in the September storm.

If you can help with any of these, please reply to this e-mail message at sia6@comcast.net


Thanks!!
The Strathmere Improvement Association
 
 

Lost and Found in Strathmere Storm - from the SIA

After finding an L-shaped walkway (between Commonwealth and Bayview on Sherman) next to his home on Friday, John Zee suggested we do a "lost and found".
We know many things found their way home this weekend, but here are two items that we could still use help with.

Found:
This L-shaped walkway (quite heavy)...

Lost:

A wicker chair like this that belongs at 205 Bayview (we found one chair, one table and one love-seat but are still missing one chair).

 
If you can help with either of these (or want help with other lost or found items), please reply to this e-mail - Strathmere Improvement Association - sia6@comcast.net



Thanks!!
 
Butch Vandegrift - President
Ken Weaver - Vice-President
Donna Diefenderfer - Treasurer
Debbie Vandegrift - Secretary

Storm Photos Part 2 from the Strathmere Improvement Association

Here are pictures of the North End, taken on Saturday after the wind finally calmed down. None of this is from water washing in - it's all from the winds...

And we hear that the State has reneged on its promised plantings in the State Park area this year!

Not again!

Guess water would be worse...

La Fontana's statue is resting peacefully....

The County worked to clear Ocean Drive and the storm drains, here on Saturday afternoon. The road to Sea Isle was mostly closed in the last few days...

The pictures below of the beach were taken today (Sunday). Looks like we lost beach, especially south of Vincent. I think those pilings used to be covered...

Our planted dune grass got washed over but is still there. Hopefully it will survive...

If you did not get water in your home, the biggest problem is the awful bay-bottom mud (below) that coats Bayview Drive. It's very hard not to track it in...

Sadly, many people did get water into their living areas. There are many wet, rolled-up carpets out at the curb this evening.

These pictures brought to you by the Strathmere Improvement Association. Note that while the SIA Does not have its own website, I am very glad to repost their newsletters here in the Strathmere blog.

You can see previous SIA newsletters archived here

Contact SIA - sia6@comcast.net

Butch Vandegrift - President

Ken Weaver - Vice-President

Donna Diefenderfer - Treasurer
Debbie Vandegrift - Secretary

Flood photos from the Strathmere Improvement Association

Here are some pictures of Bayview Drive during the storm. All were taken around high tide Thursday evening 11/12. The highest tides were in the morning hours before it got light so we have no pictures of the worst water...

Would have sent these sooner if we had had electricity...

Starting south from Williard: (click images for larger views)

Luckily, Frank's boats did not get launched....

Hold your feet up while you swing...

Tough bike riding - wicker chair heads south...

The plants need to be "salt-water tolerant"...

A planter heads south...

These next two were taken by Ella Diamond...

Twistie's definitely needs to be raised...

Again, the bay got higher than this at the morning tides, especially Friday morning...

We call this "Storm Sudoku"...

Bayview Drive lost power from 9 pm to 4 am Wednesday night, 5 pm to 3 pm Thursday into Friday and 1 pm to 3:30 pm on Saturday. Over 31 hours. Much use of candles and lanterns and talk of generators!

Brought to you by the Strathmere Improvement Association.


Butch Vandegrift - President

Ken Weaver - Vice-President
Donna Diefenderfer - Treasurer
Debbie Vandegrift - Secretary

WARNING - Tidal Flooding expected in Strathmere Thursday & Friday

As the remnants of Hurricane Ida cross into the Atlantic and combine with another coastal low, there will be a tremendous amount of rain south of us.
As this combined low moves north, with counterclockwise winds, it will encounter a strong high pressure system over New England, which will block its movement north and itself generate clockwise winds. Together, these systems will produce sustained onshore winds of 25 to 35 mph for the next three days, creating high surf, beach erosion and back bay flooding. It is also expected to rain until Saturday, though not in the amounts south of us.

"Minor" tidal flooding is likely beginning late tonight and "moderate" tidal flooding is possible by week's end. Minor flooding can be a problem for us in Strathmere - moderate flooding can be considerably worse.
Minor tidal flooding is expected for the high tide cycles early on Thursday morning and late on Thursday afternoon. However, as tidal departures increase some moderate tidal flooding is possible during the high tide early on Friday morning. At that time, tide levels may reach or exceed 7.0 feet MLLW at Atlantic City, New Jersey. We begin to have flooding problems at 5.0 feet - 24 inches more than that on Friday morning can give us real problems! We suggest you take precautions and be sure cars, trash cans and other things susceptible to flooding are moved to a safe place.

Here are the "normal" high tides for this period (from here):

Predicted "Normal" High Tides:
Wednesday 11/11 3:14 pm 4.1 feet
Thursday 11/12 4:00 am 4.2 feet
                        4:13 pm 4.0 feet
Friday 11/13 4:52 am 4.5 feet
                    5:08 pm 4.0 feet
Saturday 11/14 5:40 am 4.7 feet
                     5:57 pm 3.9 feet
Monday 11/16 2:11 pm New Moon

Here is an interesting website to track predicted vs. observed tidal levels (go to "East", then go down the left side - north to south - and click on the number by Atlantic City):
http://tidesonline.noaa.gov/monitor.html
The blue line shows the normal predicted tide levels. As the wind changed to the northeast last night, you can see the observed levels (in red) begin to exceed the predicted levels. The green line tracks the difference beween the two, or the "residual" level. It's this residual level we worry about. When the wind blows from the northeast and off the ocean, the water can't get out as the tide is supposed to go down. The longer this continues, the more the residual level builds up. If conditions occur as now predicted, that normal tide at 4:52 Friday morning could be close to seven feet!
Waves off our coast are forecast to build to around 15 feet or higher from tonight into the early part of the weekend. As a result, breakers along the coast may approach 7 or 8 feet with a good deal of beach erosion anticipated. A high surf advisory is in effect.

If you are not in Strathmere and have anything you would like secured, reply to this e-mail message and we'll see if we can help. Strathmere Improvement Association - sia6@comcast.net


This notice is courtesy of the Strathmere Improvement Association.

Butch Vandegrift - President

Ken Weaver - Vice-President
Donna Diefenderfer - Treasurer
Debbie Vandegrift - Secretary

Beach Plum Planting in Strathmere TODAY!! 11/8

If you are in Strathmere - or will be here Sunday morning - we need volunteers to help plant beach plum trees.

Carol Ferguson, Environmental Chairman of the SFEC, and Dave Townsend have acquired 50 small beach plum trees to be planted on the existing dune structure in Strathmere.

We will be meeting at Webster Road and the beach at 11:00 am Sunday morning 11/8.

Bring a shovel!

Thanks much.

S.I.A.

Photos from the Beach Grass Planting on 10/10

To all Strathmere and Whale Beach Homeowners and Visitors,

As you can see above, not only was there a very successful dune grass planting on October 10, but the plantings withstood the back-to-back nor'easters of last week. The planting of 2500 grass plugs, from Webster to Sumner Roads, was sponsored by the Strathmere Fishing and Environmental Club.

SFEC Environmental Chairperson Carol Ferguson coordinated the event; the Township provided some "pogo sticks" to punch holes and Dick Omrod constructed even more. The Fire Company wet down the sand ahead of the "punchers" to keep the holes open while the plugs were inserted. Publicity and invitations to help were distributed by the SIA, the Citizens' Group and the SFEC, resulting in a turnout of over 40 volunteers!
The first step was to separate, one-by-one, the grass plugs:

Then the sand was watered down:

Holes were poked in the sand:

And the plugs inserted into the holes...

Three rows were planted for the entire three blocks...

And then a row was planted on the existing dune...

The entire job was completed in two hours (just as a light rain began).

All volunteers were invited to the SFEC dinner meeting that evening, where they were thanked for their participation.More pictures of the planting may be seen at the SFEC website here.

On another subject, the picture below shows that the transformation of Twisties has begun:

The Strathmere Improvement Association includes all owners in Strathmere and Whale Beach and many visitors. It was founded over 50 years ago as a community organization with the simple objective of making Strathmere a better place. We are proud of the organization's many accomplishments over the years.
Please let us know if you have comments or suggestions for items to be included in the newsletter or for the SIA in general, or if you'd like us to change (or add) your e-mail address (or the address of a friend or relative) in our records. You can contact us by sia6@comcast.net or mailing SIA at P.O. Box 57. Thanks to all for your continuing support!

Butch Vandegrift - President
Ken Weaver - Vice-President
Donna Diefenderfer - Treasurer
Debbie Vandegrift - Secretary