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