Strathmere Improvement Association - Christmas Party photos

Hopefully you made it to the Christmas Party - it was another great one! Attendance was down slightly because of some conflicts and illness but the food was wonderful and a great time was had by all!

Here are the pictures:
Great food and lots of it!

Greg bartends...

Eddie ladles out his super soup!

Here your intrepid photographer must apologize for not capturing a picture of our amazing chef, Ed Tettemer.


Dinner pictures...

Then Santa arrives!

Coming prepared with a list for Santa!

Santa seems to be making a deal with the bartender!

Many thanks to Santa and his Elves!

Thanks also to the Fire Company and the rest of the volunteers who made it such a tasty and fun night!

And thanks to all for your continued support of the Strathmere Improvement Association!


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

Schiavo Library: December 2010 Newsletter

December Event:

• December 4th 1:00pm: Tree trimming party at the library! Come for the fun and refreshments!
• Movie Matinees: We will be featuring Christmas Movies on Thursday afternoons at 1:00pm

Join us for a fun holiday experience!

Books for Christmas:
We’ve got a great selection of books for the holidays: books for children, novels of the season, cookbooks and craft books. We also have many holiday VHS tapes for children.

New Arrivals:
Here are some of our newest books:

• Lisa Scottoline: Why My Third Husband Will Be a Dog
• Laura Hillenbrand: Unbroken (author of Seabiscuit)
• Bob Woodward: Obama’s Wars
• Jon Stewart: Earth: A Visitor’s Guide to the Human Race
• Cynthia Keller: An Amish Christmas
• Bill Bryson : At Home

An Old-fashioned Christmas Display:

We have had to replace the wonderful “Sindia Exhibit” that we’ve enjoyed all year. The Ocean City Historic Society did finally need the artifacts for an exhibition of their own. Our newest display is entitled: An Old-fashioned Christmas and features vintage lights, Christmas tree balls, ornaments, toys, etc. There’s probably something in the case that will remind you of holidays past. Do you remember “bubble lights?”

Strathmere Favorites:
I would like to recommend: The Summer Kitchen by Lisa Wingate. The summer kitchen was just part of the old fading pink house that SandraKaye inherited from her uncle. She thought she’d be better off just selling the place or would she? Her life becomes interestingly woven with characters from that old neighborhood. You’ll enjoy this novel about hope, second chances and new beginnings.

Happy Holidays!

Christine Rohrman, Library Director

http://www.strathmerelibrary.org/

Strathmere Improvement Association Newsletter - Santa needs your help for the Christmas Party!

In this issue: Christmas Party; Help for the Needy; Mother Nature; Free Bridge Toll
The Strathmere Christmas Party, sponsored by the SIA and our Volunteer Fire Company, will be held at 6pm on Saturday, December 11.

Since Santa has to prepare his list for the party, please let us know the name, age and gender of any child (9 or under) who will be attending, so we can help him with that list!
You can simply e-mail sia6@comcast.net  or call Donna Diefenderfer at 609-263-3620.
Thanks for your help - and we'll see you all on December 11!


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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. 4th 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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November, 2010 vs. November, 2009
We had a little high water from a storm offshore two weeks ago. These two pictures were both taken on November 12, 2010:

Now contrast those pictures with this one from November 12, 2009 (same day last year)! What a difference one year and a foot or two make!

Unfortunately, the storm(s) have cost us some beach. You can see the erosion in these pictures taken this morning:

But the good news is, the Township had Department of Corrections inmates install snow (dune) fencing from almost to Sea Isle, north to Winthrop:

 

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

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Thanks to all for your continuing support! If you never got around to paying your 2010 dues, please take the time to send a check ($10 per adult family member) to SIA at PO Box 57, Strathmere 08248.
It's not deductible, but it will be a big help with our projects like the Christmas party and the Fourth of July parade. We don't dun you individually - we just hope you'll respond to our newsletters.


Thanks to all for your continuing support!


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

Schiavo Library: November 2010 Newsletter

Schiavo Library: November 2010 Newsletter

Programs for November

• Community Night: Thursday evenings: 6:00 – 8:00pm
• November 4: Wii games
• November 11: DVD Girl Who Played with Fire
• November 18: Wii games

New Children’s DVD’s:
Do you have family coming for Thanksgiving? Stop in and check out our DVD’s for children. Here are the newest:

• Alice in Wonderland
• Mulan
• Disney/Pixar Cars
• Ratatouille
• Finding Nemo
• Up

Decoy Display:
Thank you to Gina, Dick and Rick for loaning us your decoys and bird carvings. We will soon have a nice display for our front case. And there’s still room for more! Stop in and look them over.


December Event:
Put this on your calendar – December 4: Tree trimming party at the library!

Weekly Brainteaser:
Win a prize instantly! When you stop in, try to solve our brainteaser. It’s different every week. Mike Daniels was our first winner. You could be the next winner!

Strathmere Favorites:
Jessica Weaver recommends: The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time. Christopher John Francis Boone is the protagonist. He knows all the countries of the world and every prime number up to 7057. He is also autistic. Mark Haddon takes you inside the bewildering mind of this 15 year old boy who can solve complex mathematical equations but can’t read the expressions on peoples’ faces. This is a murder mystery, a treatise on reality, an examination of family bonds, and a story of failure, triumph, and love all rolled into one. A totally engaging read. (Chosen as the adult selection for One Book New Jersey 2010; for more information see http://www.onebooknewjersey.org/ )

Christine Rohrman, Library Director

http://www.strathmerelibrary.org/

Superior Court rules against Strathmere secession from Upper Township

Superior Court rules against Strathmere secession from Upper Township

By CAITLIN DINEEN, Staff Writer

Posted: Monday, October 25, 2010

A Superior Court judge ruled Monday that the Strathmere section of Upper Township cannot secede from the rest of the municipality.
“A significant decision was made today that certainly has a gigantic impact on the township,” Upper Township Mayor Richard Palombo said Monday night during the Township Committee’s regularly scheduled meeting.
He said the ongoing legal battle was the “most critical issue” he has faced in the 11 years he has been serving as the township’s mayor.
Municipal officials have been pitted against the Strathmere group since 2007, when 83 percent of registered voters signed a petition in hopes of seceding from the township and joining Sea Isle City, which shares the same island.
But in her ruling Monday, Judge Valerie Armstrong said the Upper Township Planning Board and the Upper Township Committee “more than adequately” explained their reasons for denying Strathmere’s request for secession, including financial loss to the township.
Upper Township would lose 17.5 percent of its $2.4 billion tax base if Strathmere left. Additionally, $4 million would be lost annually in township school taxes.
Strathmere residents have argued, however, that the township government does not pay enough attention to the island community’s needs. The group says Strathmere would be better served by Sea Isle City, which has a more similar tax base.

Armstrong previously upheld the township’s decision in 2007 to reject Strathmere residents’ petition. Voters subsequently compiled a second, more complete petition. That petition went through 14 months of Planning Board hearings, only to have the Planning Board recommend the Township Committee reject the petition — a recommendation the committee accepted.

Armstrong ruled Monday on residents’ appeal of those rejections.
“The denial of the deannexation petition was neither arbitrary nor unreasonable given the extensive record created before the Planning Board, and subsequently provided to and considered by the Township Committee in this matter,” Armstrong concluded.
Deputy Mayor Curtis Corson said that after the “tedious, long drawn-out process,” he was happy Armstrong ruled in favor of the Township.
“If this were approved, the ramifications would have been horrific for this committee,” Corson said during the meeting.
Although Palombo said he is happy Armstrong agreed with township officials, he does not want to gloat.
“I don’t think anyone wants to pound their chest about it,” he said. “But I still contend this was the right decision.”

Township Solicitor Dan Young also called the decision a success for the township. Young said the secession could cause “devastation” on the township’s tax base and a number of “social issues” in the community. He said he hopes there is no further appeal.
Armstrong’s decision can be appealed by the township or members of the Citizens for Strathmere & Whale Beach.
A phone call to former Gov. James Florio, who represents the Strathmere and Whale Beach residents, was not returned Monday. Neither was a phone call to George Welker, president of Citizens for Strathmere and Whale Beach.
Other bids to secede have been similarly unsuccessful. Avalon Manor lost its bid to break from Middle Township in 2004 after the courts rejected the appeal, and Diamond Beach dropped an effort to merge with Wildwood Crest after Lower Township agreed to provide better services.



Contact Caitlin Dineen:
609-463-6710
CDineen@pressofac.com

Strathmere Improvement Association October Newsletter

To All Strathmere and Whale Beach Homeowners and Visitors,

This Saturday, the Strathmere Fishing and Environmental Club will sponsor two more of their environmental projects.
At 11:00 am, residents and visitors are invited to join SFEC club members to participate in a second annual dune grass planting. We will meet on the beach at Sumner Road at 11:00 am. Last year, this event was a tremendous success and everyone who participated had a lot of fun. Please join us this year! Rain date will be Sunday, but it looks like Saturday will be a beautiful day in Strathmere.
At 4:00 pm at the Firehouse, the SFEC will present a special program by the Marine Mammal Stranding Center from Brigantine. The Center, which houses the only marine mammal stranding center in New Jersey, is dedicated to the rescue and rehabilitation of stranded or otherwise stressed marine mammals and sea turtles. They do wonderful work and the presentation is guaranteed to be fascinating.

Refreshments will be served, and again the SFEC invites all residents and visitors to attend. In order to properly set up for the presentation, they ask that non-SFEC club members respond to this e-mail with the number of people in your group who will attend. There is no charge, but donations to support the SFEC's Environmental Committee will be welcome.



Here are pictures of last year's dune grass planting:

In between these Strathmere events, you can scoot over to Ocean City for lunch and fun at their Fall Block Party from 5th to 14th streets on Asbury Avenue. It includes over 400 juried crafters from throughout the East Coast. There will also be a variety of food vendors and entertainment along the route.


A huge fireworks display is scheduled in Ocean City Saturday night. The fireworks will be detonated from a barge off the 9th Street beach at 9:30 p.m.


Strathmere Baseball Caps ($15) and Visors ($12) are are available at 212 Bayview Drive (call 263-6846). We also have a few adult XXL and adult small Strathmere tee shirts ($10).




Our thanks to all who have paid their 2010 SIA Dues ($10 annually per adult). If you have been meaning to send them in - we're still happy to accept them!

You can contact us by responding to this e-mail (sia6@comcast.net) or by mailing the SIA at P.O. Box 57 in Strathmere.



Go Phils!!!

Thanks to all for your continuing support!

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

Schiavo Library: October Newsletter

Schiavo Library: October Newsletter

Programs for fall: Community Night: Thursday evenings: 6:00 - 8:00pm. We'll have fun with movies and the Wii games. Watch for announcements of upcoming movie features

 Used Book Sale Our used book sale in September was very successful. We had lots of people stop into the library for the first time and they loved it. We also made $401, which will help buy new books and DVD's. Thanks to everyone for their book donations.

New Bestsellers: There are a few of our newest books (fiction and nonfiction). Hope you see some that you just HAVE to read:
• Sizzling Sixteen by Evanovich
• So Cold the River by Koryta
• Fly Away Home by Weiner
• Adam & Eve by Naslund
• Grand Design by Hawking
• Outliers: The Story of Success by Gladwell
• Women, Food and God by Roth

Display Idea: I think fall would be a great time of year for a decoy display. I have one decorative decoy and one nice bird carving - not enough for a whole showcase. Does anyone have any decoys or bird carvings that they would like to display at the library? Please call me (486-6265) or email the library (info@strathmerelibrary.org) with suggestions. And thanks again to Carol Baker for her wonderful display of bathing beauties for our summer visitors.  

Attendance in September: We had a great month here at the library. Maybe it was the weather or maybe just our wonderful facility or exciting book sale, but we had 425 people visit the library in September (compared to 284 last year)! What a great accomplishment; couldn't have done it without my assistants, Jessica and Joan, and hard-working volunteer, Marion. Thanks!!

Christine Rohrman, Library Director    

More Nightmare photos!

I just added some more photos from Nightmare in Strathmere, these photos are from Ken Weaver -

http://www.strathmere.net/nightmare2010.html

Schiavo Library: September Newsletter

Fall Hours 10-4:00pm Tues. – Sat. and Thursday evenings 4-8:00pm

Programs for fall:

**Used Book Sale: September 10-18

*“Great New Jersey Coastal Storms” video: repeat presentation on September 23 6:30-8:00pm
**Children’s Summer Reading Club,” Dive into Reading”: Please bring in completed forms (a list of the books that you read this summer) and get a prize!

If you have some ideas for fun things to do at the library on Thursday evenings this fall, we would like to hear from you. We could also use some volunteers who are free to come in on Thursday evenings and help with the fun and games.


Amnesty Month – September
Return your overdue books this month. No overdue fines will be collected between September 7 and September 30, 2010.

September – Library Card Month:
September is the ALA’s (American Library Association) “Sign-up for a Library Card Month”. Remember: the library card is the smartest card in your wallet.

Audio Books:
Stop in and check out our audio books. We have some great titles by popular authors. What a pleasant way to entertain yourself on a long trip!

Strathmere Favorites:
These were our most popular books this summer:
Fiction – Half Broke Horses, The Help, Hotel on the Corner of Bitter and Sweet & The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo
Nonfiction – Three Cups of Tea, Me: Stories of My Life (Katherine Hepburn) & On the Run: Angler’s Journey
Children – Good Night Beach, Pinkalicious & Tow Trucks
Children’s Chapter Books – Mother-Daughter Book Club Set, Shadow Horse & Diary of a Wimpy Kid



Christine Rohrman, Library Director
http://www.strathmerelibrary.org/

Nightmare in Strathmere photos!

See photos from the 2010 Nightmare in Strathmere Boat Parade (courtesy of Ella Diamond) here -
http://www.strathmere.net/nightmare2010.html

To All Strathmere and Whale Beach Homeowners and Visitors,


Hurricane Earl - Despite rather dire predictions of gale-force winds, Earl turned out to be pretty much a dud in Strathmere. We then had an absolutely beautiful Labor Day Weekend.
Dog Day Tuesday - Since today (Labor Day) was the last day for lifeguard protection, tomorrow, September 7 will, by tradition (if not legally) be Dog Day at the Strathmere Beach.

SIA Meeting Friday Evening - We'll have our last membership meeting of the year at 8:00 pm Friday. We will display a plaque in honor of Elizabeth and Donald Bergus and there will be champagne / sparkling wine tasting following the business meeting. We are hoping Lizu can attend. A flyer for the meeting and the minutes from the August meeting are attached. Our new officers will assume their positions at the first of the year.

Citizens for Strathmere and Whale Beach Membership Meeting at the Firehouse at 11:00 am this Saturday, September 11. Jim Florio will discuss the August 23rd hearing and the future challenges facing the Citizens group.
SIA Strathmere Baseball Caps ($15) and Visors ($12) are are available at 212 Bayview Drive (call 263-6846). We also have a few adult XXL and adult small Strathmere tee shirts ($10).

Schiavo Library Book Sale will be held from September 10 to 18 for members and non-members. Come out and find something you'll enjoy.
Ed Tettemer wants everyone to know that the Octagon Beach Camera is up and running again at www.strathmere.tv

We have lots of photos from "Traveling Turtles", Nightmare in Strathmere and the Kids' Surf Tournament that we're trying to sort and edit. Watch the SFEC and Strathmere web sites for them.


Our thanks to all who have paid their SIA Dues ($10 annually per adult). If you have been meaning to send them in - we're still happy to accept them!
You can contact us by responding to this e-mail mailto:sia6@comcast.net%20or by mailing the SIA at P.O. Box 57 in Strathmere.



Thanks to all for your continuing support!

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

Pets of Strathmere - Abby & Spike

Kim Hartline sent in this photo of Abby and Spike.
Kim says - "This year they learned to Kayak down at the bay. As you can see, Spike is quite the Captain! I’m now not sure which they like better now - catching waves in the ocean or kayaking peacefully in the bay! My husband Brian and son Parker were surprised at how well they did on the kayak, even when boats full of people were motoring past them. They were quite the sight!!! They really enjoyed going out to a sandbar in the bay and had a lot of fun chasing the seagulls."

 
 
 
Please send photos of your pets in Strathmere to be included in the Pets of Strathmere posts - strathmere@comcast.net
 
 
 

Earl update and Kids' Surf Fishing Tournament Postponed Until Sunday

Earl - At this time we are have a Tropical Storm Warning in effect for Hurricane Earl. It now looks like we will begin to experience gale force winds around 9:00 am on Friday morning. The peak effect on us in Strathmere should occur around noon Friday, when top sustained winds, from the north, should reach 47 mph, with gusts of 59 mph (increased from yesterday's message). Sustained winds should fall below gale force by 5:00 pm, with some gale force gusts occuring thereafter. Low tide Friday will be at 9:30 am and high tide not until 4:00 pm, but with norteast winds all afternoon, we can expect minor tidal flooding (at least). Watch the weather forecasts as predictions can sometimes change dramatically...



Kids' Surf Fishing Tournament Postponed Until Sunday - Because the effects of Earl will linger into Saturday, with rough surf and a strong undertow, the tournament has been postponed until Sunday morning. The SFEC will sponsor this free tournament for all kids 17 and under. Have your children or grandchildren bring their rod, reel and tackle (pyramid weights work best) to the Prescott Street Beach (free parking at Mildred's). Registration begins at 8:00 am; fishing from 9:00 am to 11:00 am. All registered children will receive bait, tee shirt (while supplies last), hot dog and soda or water, and there will be numerous prizes. Please note that an adult must accompany children under 12 years old.

 
 

From the Strathmere Improvement Association

Here comes Labor Day - And here comes "Earl"!

To All Strathmere and Whale Beach Homeowners and Visitors,
Here comes Labor Day - And here comes "Earl"!

Earl - At this time we are have a Tropical Storm Warning in effect for Hurricane Earl. It now looks like we will begin to experience gale force winds around 9:00 am on Friday morning. The peak effect on us in Strathmere should occur around noon Friday, when top sustained winds, from the north, should reach 42 mph, with gusts of 52 mph. Sustained winds should fall below gale force by 2:00 pm, with some gale force gusts occuring thereafter. Low tide Friday will be at 9:30 am and high tide not until 4:00 pm, so we should expect minor tidal flooding at most. Watch the weather forecasts as predictions can sometimes change dramatically...

The Strathmere Ensemble will present a free concert, "All the Way on Labor Day" at the Church at 7:00 pm on Saturday. We're told this will be a very different program from what they've done in the past. We suspect you will love it. They will repeat it at the Sea Isle City United Methodist Church on Sunday at 4:00 pm.
SIA Strathmere Baseball Caps ($15) and Visors ($12) are are available at 212 Bayview Drive. We also have a few adult XXL and adult small Strathmere tee shirts ($10).

Schiavo Library Book Sale will be held from September 10 to 18 for members and non-members. Come out and find something you'll enjoy.

Upcoming Events:
**Kids' Surf Fishing Tournament Saturday, September 4, 9:00 am

**Strathmere Ensemble Concert at 7:00 pm Saturday, September 4

**Last day of Flounder Season, Monday, September 6 (Labor Day)

**Last SIA Meeting of 2010 at the Firehouse, 8:00 pm Friday, September 10

**Book Sale at the Schiavo Library, September 10 - 18.

and every Sunday at the Strathmere United Methodist Church: 9:15 Hymn Sing; 9:30 Service

Our thanks to all who have paid their SIA Dues ($10 annually per adult). If you have been meaning to send them in - here's your chance!
You can contact us by responding to this e-mail sia6@comcast.net  or by mailing the SIA at P.O. Box 57 in Strathmere.



Lifeguard Fund Raising - Following our article on the Kayak Festival, we were asked why the Lifeguards need to raise money (no - it's not for parties!). Captain Bill Handley graciously responded with the attached explanation.

"I understand the SIA is looking for some information on what the kayak and t-shirt money we raise is spent on. I will give you some of the items/services/fees that the money has been used for over the last two seasons.
Our patrol exists for the vital and professional purpose of protecting the beaches in Strathmere and Beesley's Point. The Township funds our O & E needs for this purpose by purchasing all equipment that we request within reason to fulfill our professional purpose. We do have a recreational component to our patrol that, in my opinion, relates directly to the level of skill that our guards achieve. This component would be the races that we host and participate in regularly during the summer. In some years, the township has funded requests for equipment used in races, but not always, and due to budget constraints recently, we cannot expect funding for this in the near future. We have purchased a racing paddleboard, bags for the board, and paid for fees that competitors are responsible for in certain swimming, running, and rowing races. We also have had to cover expenses for the races we host if the sponsorship we get does not cover the cost of the whole race. This has been the case for the MS Bay Row over the last two years. These competitions are the drive for all lifeguards in South Jersey to learn and master the skills necessary to be the best guards they can be. The money has also been used for incentive rewards for the outstanding guards each season. We recognize the city champions in every event we compete in and also certain stand out guards who are recognized by their peers as being the rookie of the year, most proactive guard, and guard of the year. These awards have been engraved mugs and engraved water bottles during the past two years. This allows us to recognize our best guards with something tangible to commemorate their success and to help motivate other guards to work harder the following season.
Each year I present a budget proposal on the assumption that nothing will break, get lost, or become damaged. Working in the ocean environment makes this impossible to accomplish. Each season we have oars that get lost in the ocean, bent beyond use, or simply broken in half. We may require repairs to boats or paddleboards that need immediate attention and the process of going through the township finance office and working within a fixed budget makes these situations too complicated to be done effectively. We could (and sometimes do) apply for re-imbursement for some of these replacements/repairs, but in an effort to keep our budget from oscillating up and down, we just handle this through our association account.
The last items we use the money for would be special occasions and special uniform enhancement. We did contribute money to the Matthew Bonsall Benefit because we wanted our guards to be present to recognize the passing of ex-Lt. Gerry Bonsall. Many of our guards did not know him so we thought we could pay for their donation to attend the affair at the Firehouse. We have contributed to similar occasions when it is obvious that the town we lifeguard in has been or could be impacted by such an occasion. We also plan on purchasing jackets for our guards because the jackets supplied by the Township have become worn out. The Township does provide us with nice uniforms of sweats, shorts, and shirts, but they cannot order jackets every year for every guard. We have also supplemented our uniforms with different shorts and shirts in the past. "



Thanks to all for your continuing support!

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

Twisties in the Courier Post

Here's a nice story about Twisties in The Courier Post - Shore bar's lore goes back to '30s

This Saturday night is "Nightmare in Strathmere"!

To All Strathmere and Whale Beach Homeowners and Visitors,

This Saturday night is "Nightmare in Strathmere"!

This is the boat parade, beginning at 6:30 pm, sponsored by the Strathmere Fishing and Environmental Club. It is a fun night for all of Strathmere. Please join in and decorate your boat, jet ski, kayak or house. Prizes will be awarded for watercraft, houses on the bay and houses off the bay. Registration (it's free) will take place on Friday, August 27 at the old Corson’s Inlet Marina from 6:00 pm to 9:00 pm and on Saturday, August 28 outside Twistie’s from 1:00 pm to 4:00 pm. You must be registered to be eligible for a prize.

It is important that we have a significant number of watercraft entered or the NJ State Marine Police have said they will not be willing to issue a parade permit for future years.

We are honored to have Ollie and Connie Twist as our Grand Marshals this year.

Here are pictures from last year of the first and second place prizes for boats:

This is the biggest fund raiser of the year for the SFEC, which sponsors many Strathmere programs, such as the Kids' Surf Fishing Tournament (see below), the "Traveling Turtles" program at the Shiavo Library, dune grass planting, osprey platform construction and placement, and several free fishing tournaments.


Please help the SFEC continue by purchasing this year's neat Nightmare tee shirt and by buying tickets for the raffle. Shirts and raffle tickets will be available outside Twistie's on Saturday afternoon. Winners will be announced at 9:00 pm at the Deauville Beach Bar, as will the winners of the raffle drawing. Here is this year's tee shirt (back):

 
 
Kids' Surf Fishing Tournament - On Saturday morning, September 4 (Saturday of Labor Day Weekend), the SFEC will sponsor this tournament for all kids 17 and under. Have your children or grandchildren bring their rod, reel and tackle (pyramid weights work best) to the Prescott Street Beach (free parking at Mildred's). Registration begins at 7:30 am; fishing from 9:00 am to 11:00 am. All registered children will receive bait, tee shirt (while supplies last), hot dog and soda or water. Please note that an adult must accompany children under 12 years old.
Upcoming Events:
"Nightmare in Strathmere" Boat Parade (sponsored by the SFEC), 6:30, Saturday, August 28

Kids' Surf Fishing Tournament (also sponsored by the SFEC), Saturday, September 4, 9:00 am

Strathmere Ensemble Concert at 7:00 pm Saturday, September 4

Last day of Flounder Season, Monday, September 6 (Labor Day)

SIA Meeting at the Firehouse, 8:00 pm Friday, September 10

and every Sunday at the Strathmere United Methodist Church: 9:15 Hymn Sing; 9:30 Service



Our thanks to all who have paid their SIA Dues ($10 annually per adult). If you have been meaning to send them in - here's your chance!

You can contact us by responding to this e-mail sia6@comcast.net or by mailing the SIA at P.O. Box 57 in Strathmere.



Thanks to all for your continuing support!

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

To All Strathmere and Whale Beach Homeowners and Visitors,

We have a busy four days coming up.

"Traveling Turtles" Tomorrow (Thursday) evening at 7:00 pm, the Schiavo Library will host a Wetlands Institute program about our local turtles and how to help and protect them. The event is sponsored by the Strathmere Fishing and Environmental Club, whose members recently helped the Institute catch terrapins for research, as seen here. The program will again be held adjacent to the library parking lot. Join us for lots of fun! Here is a picture of last year's terrific event:

SIA Meeting Friday Night at 8:00 pm This is our annual election meeting, and will include scholastic achievement awards. Also, bring your Strathmere memorabilia to share and enjoy an ice cream dessert!


The Strathmere Ocean Kayak Festival, sponsored by the lifeguards, will take place at the Williams Avenue Beach beginning at 10:30 am. There will be races, demonstrations, instructions, a silent auction and a post-race party. Don't worry if you don't have a kayak; all equipment for instruction and races is supplied for free.
This is not only a lot of fun for both participants and spectators, but is also the biggest fundraiser for our lifeguards. Please come out and support them and have a ball! Here are pictures of just one of last year's many races:

Strathmere Lifeguard Alumni Day The Old Guard of Strathmere are invited to Alumni Day on Sunday, August 15th starting with a Volleyball and Shell Toss Tournament on the beach at noon, and a dinner at the Deauville Inn Beach House at 6:00 PM. All Strathmere lifeguards of the past, their families, friends, friends of friends and all supporting Strathmere residents are invited to come out and share any stories and photos of lifeguarding back-in-the-day in Strathmere. Tournament Tickets are $10 per person and the dinner $20, and can be purchased the day of the event. Proceeds benefit the Matthew Bonsall Benefit Fund. If you plan to attend, an RSVP would be helpful. For more information or to RSVP, contact Beach Patrol Headquarters at  609-263-1151; fax 609-263-8572.



Upcoming Events (update your calendars):
**Traveling Turtles program by the Wetlands Institute at the Schiavo Library, 7:00 to 8:00 pm, Thursday, August 12

**SIA Election Meeting and Ice Cream Social at the Firehouse, 8:00 pm Friday, August 13

**Kayak Carnival and Races Saturday, August 14

**Strathmere Lifeguard Alumni Day, Sunday, August 15

**Deannexation Hearing in Atlantic City, 1:30 pm Monday, August 23

**"Nightmare in Strathmere" Boat Parade (sponsored by the SFEC), 6:30, Saturday, August 28

**Kids' Surf Fishing Tournament (also sponsored by the SFEC), Saturday, September 4, 9:00 am

**Strathmere Ensemble Concert at 7:00 pm Saturday, September 4

**Last day of Flounder Season, Monday, September 6 (Labor Day)

**SIA Meeting at the Firehouse, 8:00 pm Friday, September 10

**and every Sunday at the Strathmere United Methodist Church: 9:15 Hymn Sing; 9:30 Service



Our thanks to all who have paid their SIA Dues ($10 annually per adult). If you have been meaning to send them in - here's your chance!You can contact us by responding to this e-mail sia6@comcast.net or by mailing the SIA at P.O. Box 57 in Strathmere.



Thanks to all for your continuing support!

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

Strathmere Improvement Association Meeting & Ice Cream Social

Schiavo Library: August Newsletter

Schiavo Library: August Newsletter

Summer Hours Added hours for the summer: Thursday evening 4-8:00pm.


Summer Children’s Programs
Our summer children’s programs continue through August:
Tuesday morning 10:30 am Storybook Time
Wednesday 6:00 – 7:30 Kid’s Book & Craft Night with Megan (limit – 10 children)
Thursday 10:30-noon Kid’s Movie Morning


Programs
August 12 - 7-8:00pm Wetlands Institute “Traveling Turtles” program in the parking lot
August 19 - 6:30-8:00pm showing of video “Great New Jersey Coastal Storms”
August 28 – 1:00 Barrier Island Writers meeting


New DVD’s at the Library:
Chasing Liberty
Must Love Dogs
Mystic River
Nancy Drew
New York Minute
Rumor Has It
Slumdog Millionaire
The Spiderwick Chronicles


Donations:
I’d like to thank our patrons for their generosity this past month. We received $300 in donations. Thank you to the Massey family for their donation of a new flag in honor of Amy’s birthday, July 9th. Also, a book about oceans for the children’s collection will be purchased in her memory. Contact the library if you would like to honor someone in this special way.



Strathmere Favorites:
I’d like to recommend a book for fun, light summertime reading: The Undomestic Goddess by Sophie Kinsella. Samantha’s goal in life was to make partner in her law firm in London. But somehow she makes a huge mistake in her job and suffers a complete meltdown. As a result, she ends up wandering around in a daze in the suburbs and accidentally accepts a job as a housekeeper. Her misadventures in the kitchen will keep you chuckling. (available at our library)

Christine Rohrman, Library Director
http://www.strathmerelibrary.org/
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

Strathmere Improvement Association August Newsletter

To All Strathmere and Whale Beach Homeowners and Visitors,


Greg Bennett Exhibition This Saturday Evening, from 7:00 to 10:00 pm, Strathmere's own Greg Bennett will open his annual exhibition at the Peter McPhee Fine Arts Gallery - http://www.petermcpheefinearts.com/exhibitions.php  - at Second Avenue and 95th Street in Stone Harbor (see attachment). All are welcome, and you will no doubt see many Strathmerians if you attend. Join us for a night of great art, delicious hors d'oeuvres, wine or beer and lively conversation. If you cannot make the opening, the exhibition continues through September 1.


Yard Sale Saturday Dee Conallen will be having a yard sale this Saturday August 7, from 8 am until noon, at 701 Commonweath Avenue (next door to The Shack). There will be furniture, clothing and odds and ends.
Strathmere Lifeguard Alumni Day The Old Guard of Strathmere are invited to Alumni Day on Sunday, August 15th starting with a Volleyball and Shell Toss Tournament on the beach at noon, and a dinner at the Deauville Inn Beach House at 6:00 PM. All Strathmere lifeguards of the past, their families, friends, friends of friends and all supporting Strathmere residents are invited to come out and share any stories and photos of lifeguarding back-in-the-day in Strathmere. Tournament Tickets are $10 per person and the dinner $20, and can be purchased the day of the event. Proceeds benefit the Matthew Bonsall Benefit Fund. If you plan to attend, an RSVP would be helpful. For more information or to RSVP, contact Beach Patrol Headquarters at 609-263-1151; fax 609-263-8572.


SIA Approved Bylaws and July Meeting Minutes.  The revised Bylaws were approved at the July meeting  e-mail sia6@comcast.net for a copy of the bylaws and the minutes.

The next SIA Meeting (and Ice Cream Social) will be at 8:00 pm, Friday, August 13.



Upcoming Events (update your calendars):

**Greg Bennett Opening Night Exhibition in Stone Harbor, 7:00 pm, Saturday, August 7

**Traveling Turtles program by the Wetlands Institute at the Schiavo Library, 7:00 to 8:00 pm, Thursday, August 12

**SIA Meeting at the Firehouse, 8:00 pm Friday, August 13

**Kayak Carnival and Races Saturday, August 14

**Strathmere Lifeguard Alumni Day, Sunday, August 15

**Deannexation Hearing in Atlantic City, 1:30 pm Monday, August 23

**"Nightmare in Strathmere" Boat Parade (sponsored by the SFEC), 6:30, Saturday, August 28

**Kids' Surf Fishing Tournament (also sponsored by the SFEC), Saturday, September 4, 9:00 am

**Strathmere Ensemble Concert at 7:00 pm Saturday, September 4

**Last day of Flounder Season, Monday, September 6 (Labor Day)

**SIA Meeting at the Firehouse, 8:00 pm Friday, September 10

**and every Sunday at the Strathmere United Methodist Church: 9:15 Hymn Sing; 9:30 Service


Our thanks to all who have paid their SIA Dues ($10 annually per adult). If you have been meaning to send them in - here's your chance!

You can contact us by responding to this e-mail sia6@comcast.net or by mailing SIA at PO Box 57 in Strathmere.

Thanks to all for your continuing support!
Butch Vandegrift - President
Ken Weaver - Vice-President
Donna Diefenderfer - Treasurer
Debbie Vandegrift - Secretary

A visit to the Ocean City Historical Museum

Today I took a visit to the Ocean City Historical Museum. The museum is located at 1735 Simpson Street in the Cultural Arts Center and it is free to enter.
The easiest way to get there is to go on Bay Ave. and turn EAST onto 17th Street. That will take you right to the entrance of the huge building, which is currently under partial construction, but open to the public. The building also houses the Ocean City Library. When you go in the entrance of the building, you will go all the way to the back, through the library and to your right though a door. Eventually there will be a direct entrance to the museum.

If you love Ocean City, town histories or antiques you will certainly enjoy this museum. It has many displays and photos to see. All items are actually from homes and families in Ocean City. There are displays on OC lifeguards, the police and fire departments, military, businesses, the OC High School, fishing, Boy Scouts and Girl Scouts and more. With a special display on the Sindia and a copy of Princess Grace's wedding gown. There are several partial rooms set up with antique furniture, paintings, glassware and household items.

The Ocean City beach Patrol display

A copy of Princess Grace's wedding gown

Part of the display about fishing in Ocean City

Part of the large display on the Sindia (the museum currently has pieces of this collection on loan to the Strathmere Library's mini museum - go check it out)

Household antiques and vintage swimsuits

Ocean City High School Memorabilia

Some of the many antique children's toys that are on display.

This Summer's featured display is Antique Tin Beach Toys, which includes 500 examples from collector Robert Smith. There are many tin pails, watercans, shovels, molds etc. And also old photos of Ocean City children posed with tin toys.