Wednesday, August 28, 2013

SIA Newsletter 8 28 2013 - New FEMA Maps; Barbecue Tonight; Surf Tourney Saturday; Used Book Sale; Nightmare; Help Derek; Dune Dumping; No More Caps or Visors; Calendar

To All Strathmere and Whale Beach Homeowners and Visitors,
NEW FEMA MAPS:  As posted on the SIA Facebook page yesterday, it looks like almost all of Strathmere and Whale Beach dodged the bullet and ended up in the "A" (AE) Zones instead of the dreaded "V" Zone.
After you zoom in to Strathmere on the map, click on "Basemap", then "Imagery".
 
You'll see that we are mostly in the AE9 or AE10 Zone. Remember, as explained in our February Newsletter on Floodmaps, these new maps use a different "datum", which means that the new AE10 is 1.28 feet higher than the current A10 Zone.
 
We will update that newsletter as more information becomes available.
 
 
*****************************************************
 
Tonight is the "Barbecue by the Bay" at the Deauville Beach House from 6:00 to 8:00 pm.
This is a fundraiser for the Strathmere Volunteer Fire Company and the cost per person will be $25.00 (includes drinks!).
Please come out and support the SVFC!!!
 
***************************************
 
This Saturday morning, August 31, is the annual SFEC Kids' Surf Tournament for all kids 17 years and younger.
It's at the Prescott Road Beach
Registration begins at 7:30; fishing is from 9:00 to 11:00.
Bring your own rod, reel and equipment. Please use pyramid weights - not round ones.
Registered children will receive bait, a tee shirt (while supplies last), hot dogs and a drink.
All free - compliments of the SFEC and their sponsors!
An adult must accompany children under 12.  NO BARE FEET!!!
There is also a raffle (must be present to win)
If you don't have kids or grandchildren, come watch - it's great fun!
 
Here are a few pictures from last year:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
********************************************************
We've had several queries about the availability of the Nighmare tee shirts.
 
The SFEC sold out of all adult 2013 Nightmare shirts, but has two youth size medium and 17 Nightmare coffee mugs left ($10).
They also have two 2012 green nightmare shirts ($10), 15 2013 Tuna Tournament shirts ($15), and lots of the 2013 "annual shirts" ($20 long sleeves; $15 short).
All will be available at the Kids' Surf Tournament Saturday morning.
 
 
*********************************************
Schiavo Library Used Book Sale:

The Library's next book sale will start on September 6th – the Friday after Labor Day Weekend. Let’s make this a great fundraiser – come out and buy bags full of great books!
 
*****************************************************
 
Past Event: 
Saturday was, of course, Nightmare in Strathmere.
 
It was a beautiful evening - making the sun so bright it was extremely difficult to see or get good pictures of the Boat Parade.
We'll post pictures of the winners here, but many, many more will soon be posted on the SFEC website.
Here is the winning House on the Bay, "Nightmarish Mishaps":
 
 
 
 
 
 
And here is the winning House off the bay, "Terrapin Station":
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
And finally, here's the winning boat, "Strathmere, the Island of Misfit Toys":
 
 
 
 
 
Again, the SFEC website will soon have pictures of all the boats and houses and also the awards.
We'd be remiss if we did not mention the wonderful "open house" party Saturday night on South Bayview.
It was marred slightly by your faithful correspondent's clumsy collision of his shin with some metal steps.
Thirteen stitches later, we're on the mend, and in a few weeks will be good as new...
 
 
************************
 
 
 
Please remember the story of Derek Schall, nephew of Stephanie (Schall) Muller, who runs the Old Shack.
Derek needs our help, and hopefully you read his story and will pitch in (to the Derek Albert Schall Fund at Wells Fargo Bank, 250 Blair Mill Road, Horsham, PA 19044).
 
 
***********************************
And a repeated request - please don't dump anything on the dunes!
There is an "urban legend" (seashore legend?) that dumping Christmas trees and/or brush on the dunes will catch sand, thus building the dunes up and providing more protection from ocean storms. This, like many legends, has proven to be false.
Dumping on the dunes kills the natural dune grass and vegetation, and hurts much more than it helps.
In a sandy dune system, that decomposing vegetative material prevents beach grass and other "good" dune vegetation from growing properly.
The Township Engineer tells us it is prohibited under a Township Ordinance and is considered littering (Sec 24-4.1b) and is punishable with a fine of $500 - $1000.
 
Please don't dump anything on our beach or dunes!
 
 
 
**********************
Those neat "Strathmere Picture Frames" are still available.
Karen Mitchell donated them as a fundraiser for the Strathmere Volunteer Fire Company.
 
They will be available at tonight's barbecue!
*********************************
If you've paid your 2013 SIA dues - Thank You!! 
If you haven't paid your SIA dues yet, we ask you to please do so.
Info on dues is at the end of this newsletter.
The SIA sold out of both the Strathmere caps and visors. 
Thanks for your support!
 
***************************************
 
Remember to follow and "like" the SIA (click the "Thumbs Up" box ) on Facebook:
 
You'll get an early look at lots of things going on in Strathmere!
 
 
*********************************
 
 
Upcoming Events - please add to your calendars:
 
**Strathmere Volunteer Fire Company Barbecue, 6:00pm, Wednesday August 28
**Kids' Surf Fishing Tournament, Saturday Morning, August 31
**Schiavo Library Used Book Sale Begins Friday, September 6
**SFEC Meeting, 5:00pm, Saturday, September 7
 
**Services at the Strathmere United Methodist Church every Sunday to September 29: 9:15 Hymn Sing; 9:30 Service.
 
Let us know of additions or corrections!
 
 
 
***********************************************************
 
And once again, check out Carol Baker's wonderful Strathmere History website at http://www.strathmere.net/
 
 
**********************************************************
 
 
The Strathmere Improvement Association includes all owners in Strathmere and Whale Beach and many visitors. It was founded in 1951 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.
The SIA is keeping the annual dues at $10 per adult family member. The dues and the fund raisers provide for the Fourth of July Parade and our share of the Christmas Party. We conducted a number of Centennial events last year, and also donated money to help pay for extra State Police protection, and to residents affected by Sandy.
 
 
NOTE: Since most of you never formally "signed up" as members, obviously we cannot "force" you to pay dues, which are really more like (non-deductible) donations anyway.
If you don't pay, we will still keep you on our newsletter distribution. The only penalty will be that you can't vote in our (mostly uncontested) elections!
 
Nevertheless, we really hope you see value in our projects and enjoy the newsletters enough so that you'll contribute $10 per adult family member.
 
Thanks!
 
Please send dues payments to SIA at PO Box 57, Strathmere, NJ 08248. Remember to tell us your correct e-mail address!
 
Also, please let us know if you have comments or suggestions for the newsletter or for SIA in general, or if you'd like us to change your e-mail address in our records.
You can contact us by responding to this e-mail at sia6@comcast.net or by mailing SIA at PO Box 57.
***********************************
 
Thanks very much for your continuing support of the Strathmere Improvement Association!
 
Linda Bateman
Elaine Holsomback
Donna Diefenderfer
Rosemarie Whelan
Ken Weaver
 
 
 

Wednesday, August 21, 2013

SIA Newsletter 8 20 2013 - Beach Plum Talk Thursday; Nightmare Saturday; Barbecue; Surf Tourney; SIA Meeting; Kayak Festival; Star Party; Tuna Classic; Don't Dump on the Dunes; Picture Frames; Visors; Calendar

To All Strathmere and Whale Beach Homeowners and Visitors,

 This is a big week in Strathmere!

 Thursday evening at 7:00pm at the Schiavo Library, there will be a "Beach Plum Talk"
Joe Alvarez from the Beach Plum Society will bring plants and discuss the restoration of the beach plum at the shore.
 
The beach plum is a deciduous shrub and in its natural sand dune habitat grows 4-7 feet high, although it can grow larger when cultivated in gardens.
 
It is salt-tolerant and cold-hardy. It prefers the full sun and well-drained soil. The fruit ripens in August and early September.
Want to help bring beach plums back to the Jersey shore? Come to the Library Thursday and find out what you can do.
 
 
**************************************
 
 
Then on Saturday at 6:30pm is a huge event  - our Nightmare in Strathmere Boat Parade, sponsored by the Strathmere Fishing and Environmental Club.
 
Nightmare is not just for boaters - there are also awards for decorated houses both on and off the bay!
 

to get you in the mood!

 

Finish up your theme this week and register your boat, house or dock at (the old) Corson's Marina (Bayview & Putnam) at 7:00pm this Friday evening.
If you can't make the Friday sign-up, you can still register at the raffle table at Twisties on Saturday.
All who register will receive a 2013 Nightmare Mug (a collector's item).
 
Another collector's item is the 2013 Nightmare Tee Shirt.
You can purchase it at Herb Hollinger's (across from the Corson's Marina) and at Twisties on Saturday.

Don't hesitate - every year they sell out!




 
 
 
Those high-up vacationers on the back of the shirt are enjoying the only dry spot in Strathmere (remember - it's Nightmare)!
 Nightmare in Strathmere is the SFEC's biggest fund-raiser of the year - by selling tee shirts and also tickets for their post-parade raffle.
Raffle tickets will be on sale outside of Twisties from noon Saturday until just before the parade. 
Watch the parade - leaving the boat ramp at 6:30 pm.
Awards and the raffle will be at the Deauville Beach Bar at 9:00 pm. 
 
******************************************************
 
Don't forget  the Barbecue at the Deauville Beach House on Wednesday, August 28 from 6:00 to 8:00 pm.
This is a fundraiser for the Strathmere Volunteer Fire Company and the cost per person will be $25.00.
 
***************************************
 
The annual SFEC Kids' Surf Tournament for all kids 17 years and younger will be held on the morning of August 31.
Registration begins at 7:30; fishing is from 9:00 to 11:00.
Bring your own rod, reel and equipment. Please use pyramid weights - not round ones.
Registered children will receive bait, a tee shirt (while supplies last), hot dogs and a drink.
All free - compliments of the SFEC and their sponsors (so buy tee shirts and raffle tix this week)!
An adult must accompany children under 12.  NO BARE FEET!!!
**********************************************
 
Past Events: 
Our second and last SIA meeting of 2013 was held on August 9. A copy of the minutes is attached.
Priscilla Bergus Laurence awarded (pure) silver dollars to Brian and C.J. Furey and John and Matt Pond  as prizes from the Bergus Scholarship Fund.
 

 
 
 
A nice crowd attended for the meeting and to hear our program speakers.


 
 
Valerie Watson, from NJ Hope and Healing, Mike McMahon, from the McMahon Agency and John Halbruner from the Hyland Design Group
all spoke very knowledgably and were quite interesting.
 

 
 
An "ice cream social" followed the program.
 
 
 
*******************************************
 
 
The UTBP held their annual Kayak Festival on August 10.  Lots of fun to watch!
 

















   ********************
 

The Citizens for Strathmere and Whale Beach sponsored a Star Party last Friday Evening, August 16.
The stars did not make an appearance, but Derrick Pitts, Chief Astronomer and Planetarium Director at the Franklin Institute in Philadelphia,gave a wonderful talk on the moon and the night skies.
If you missed it, you'll definitely want to make it next time!


**********************************



The Strathmere Fishing and Environmental Club held the awards barbecue for their Tuna Classic on Saturday, August 17.
 
Here's the winning tuna catch, a 207.5 pound bigeye caught at the Washington Canyon



 
 
 
There are pictures of the other catches and the awards on the SFEC website here - http://www.strathmerefishing.org/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=256:tuna13results&catid=2:tournaments&Itemid=12
 
*****************************************
A request - to "improve" Strathmere - don't dump anything on the dunes!
There is an "urban legend" (seashore legend?) that dumping Christmas trees and/or brush on the dunes will catch sand, thus building the dunes up and providing more protection from ocean storms. This, like many legends, has proven to be false. Dumping on the dunes kills the natural dune grass and vegetation, and hurts much more than it helps.
In a sandy dune system, that decomposing vegetative material prevents beach grass and other "good" dune vegetation from growing properly.
Also, it is prohibited under a Township Ordinance and is considered littering (Sec 24-4.1b) and is punishable with a fine of $500 - $1000.
 
Here is Upper Township's information on picking up trash, recycling and yard debris - http://www.uppertownship.com/index.php/en/departments-p-z/department-of-public-works  
Please don't dump anything on our beach or dunes!
 
**********************
 
 
Those neat "Strathmere Picture Frames" are still available.
Karen Mitchell donated them as a fundraiser for the Strathmere Volunteer Fire Company.
 
For only $20, you get a set of two black leather frames. One holds a 3.5"x5" picture, and the other holds a 4"x6" picture.
The frames are stitched in white and have "Strathmere" written on the frame in blue lettering. All of the proceeds go to the SVFC!
 
These are great memory makers, stocking stuffers, hostess gifts, shower presents, etc.. Put your family and friends' Strathmere photos in your Strathmere frame!
Call Karen Mitchell at 609-231-6000 or stop by 21 Williams Road to buy your frames.
*********************************************************
 
If you've paid your 2013 SIA dues - Thank You!! 
If you haven't paid your SIA dues yet, we ask you to please do so.
Info on dues is at the end of this newsletter.
 
 
 
*****************************************
 
The SIA has sold out of the Strathmere caps, but we still have a few visors left for $10 each.
They are available at 212 Bayview Drive (609-263-6846). Get several - for yourself and for gifts - to help the SIA!
 
******************************
 
Remember to follow and "like" the SIA (click the "Thumbs Up" box ) on Facebook:
 
 
You'll get an early look at lots of things going on in Strathmere!
 
 
*****************************************
 
Upcoming Events - please add to your calendars:
Beach Plum Talk at Schiavo Library, 7:00 pm Thursday, August 22
 
Nightmare in Strathmere Boat Parade, 6:30pm, Saturday, August 24
 
Strathmere Volunteer Fire Company Barbecue, 6:00pm, Wednesday August 28
Kids' Surf Fishing Tournament, Saturday Morning, August 31
SFEC Meeting, 5:00pm, Saturday, September 7
Services at the Strathmere United Methodist Church every Sunday to September 29: 9:15 Hymn Sing; 9:30 Service.
 
 
Let us know of additions or corrections!
 
 
***********************************************************
 
Our February 11, 2013 Newsletter on flood zones and flood insurance is posted on the Upper Township website here (under General Information... Announcements... Super Storm Sandy). We suggest you make the website location one of your "favorites" or "bookmarks", as you'll probably want to refer to it as the BFE / FIRM saga continues to unfold...
 
 
**********************************************************
 
And once again, check out Carol Baker's wonderful Strathmere History website at http://www.strathmere.net
 
 
 
**********************************************

The Strathmere Improvement Association includes all owners in Strathmere and Whale Beach and many visitors. It was founded in 1951 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.
The SIA is keeping the annual dues at $10 per adult family member. The dues and the fund raisers provide for the Fourth of July Parade and our share of the Christmas Party. We conducted a number of Centennial events last year, and also donated money to help pay for extra State Police protection, and to residents affected by Sandy.
 
NOTE: Since most of you never formally "signed up" as members, obviously we cannot "force" you to pay dues, which are really more like (non-deductible) donations anyway.
If you don't pay, we will still keep you on our newsletter distribution. The only penalty will be that you can't vote in our (mostly uncontested) elections!
 
Nevertheless, we really hope you see value in our projects and enjoy the newsletters enough so that you'll contribute $10 per adult family member.
Thanks!
 
Please send dues payments to SIA at PO Box 57, Strathmere, NJ 08248. Remember to tell us your correct e-mail address!
 
Also, please let us know if you have comments or suggestions for the newsletter or for SIA in general, or if you'd like us to change your e-mail address in our records.
 
You can contact us by responding to this e-mail at sia6@comcast.net or by mailing SIA at PO Box 57.
 
 
**************************************
 
Thanks very much for your continuing support of the Strathmere Improvement Association!
 
Linda Bateman
Elaine Holsomback
Donna Diefenderfer
Rosemarie Whelan
Ken Weaver
 
 
 

Wednesday, August 14, 2013

At the Schiavo Library - Beach Plum Talk 8/22


At the Schiavo Library
Beach Plum Talk
August 22 7:00pm

Joe Alvarez from the Beach Plum Society will bring plants and discuss the restoration of the beach plum at the shore.

Did you know?
It is a deciduous shrub and in its natural sand dune habitat grows 4-7 feet high, although it can grow larger when cultivated in gardens.

The plant is salt-tolerant and cold-hardy. It prefers the full sun and well-drained soil.

The fruit ripens in August and early September.

The beach plum is endangered in Maine, where it is in serious decline due to commercial development of its beach habitats.

Want to help bring it back to the Jersey shore? Come and find out what you can do.

Monday, August 05, 2013

SIA Newsletter 8 4 2013 - Scavenger Hunt; SIA Meeting Friday; Kayak Festival; Star Party; Barbecue; SIA Community Beach Party Pictures; Picture Frames; Visors - No More Caps; Calendar

To All Strathmere and Whale Beach Homeowners and Visitors,

Coming Up:
 
On Thursday evening, August 8, at 6:30pm, the Schiavo Library will hold its Family Scavenger Hunt.
 
This was a big hit last year with the families who participated. You'll have fun!
 
********************************************
 
The next SIA meeting will be this Friday, August 9 at 8pm.
 
Mike McMahon, from the McMahon Agency, will talk about flood insurance and John Halbruner from the Hyland Design Group will talk about structural options. 
Both are very knowledgable about the FEMA maps, etc.
We'll also raffle off four tickets in great seats to each of two Phillies' games.
We'll have an "ice cream social" following our program.
 
 
 
 
 
The Lifeguards will be holding their annual Kayak Festival on Saturday, August 10.
This year they have added a 5k road / beach race at 8:00am.

More details and registration for the 5k - http://www.utbp.us/kayak-festival/
 

 
************************************************

Local Authors Wanted!
 
Schiavo Library's Third Annual Authors' Night August 15.

The Library is looking for local authors to display and discuss their books from 7:00 to 8:00 pm.

If you are interested in participating, please call the Library Director at (609) 486-6265 or email her at info@strathmerelibrary.org


*************************************************

 

The Citizens for Strathmere and Whale Beach will sponsor a Star Party at 8:45 on Friday Evening, August 16, on the Randoph Road beach.
 
Derrick Pitts, Chief Astronomer for the Franklin Institute, will take us on a journey through the Strathmere skies.
You and your family will be enthralled (telescopes are welcome!).
This is a free event for all Strathmerians, with an optional donation (donations to the CFSWB are welcome, but not necessary).
Rain date will be Saturday, August 17.

 
**********************************

 
Another huge event in Strathmere is our Nightmare in Strathmere Boat Parade, to be held Saturday evening, August 24.
Start thinking of a theme to decorate your boat or your house - either on or off the bay.

 
 
*****************************************

Also, add to your calendar the Barbecue at the Deauville Beach House on Wednesday, August 28 from 6:00 to 8:00 pm.
This is a fundraiser for the Strathmere Volunteer Fire Company and the cost per person will be $25.00.


************************************************************

 

Recent Events:
 
On Saturday, August 3, the SIA held a Community Beach Party.
 
We worried all day about the thunderstorms forecast for the evening, but we managed to squeeze the party in with just a few sprinkles. 
SIA VP Elaine Holsomback planned and coordinated the party.
Here Elaine welcomes everyone and explains the events.
 
 
 

 
 
 


 
 
Jim Maher provided the entertainment, and did a terrific job.


 
 
Elaine had the kids line up to learn which game they would start with...



There was the bean bag toss (SIA Secretary Rosemarie Whelan in charge):
 





The frisbee toss - SIA President Linda Bateman presiding:
 

 
 
The horeshoe throw, with Jim Holsomback in charge...




and the fourth game was the ring (bracelet) toss, run by Elaine.
 


The kids got participation prizes from each game.

Then Jim took over, singing songs (often with "crowd accompaniment") that we all knew...
 
 


 
 
Debbie Vandegrift (former SIA Secretary) joined Jim for a few tunes.
 

 
 
There was a pause for the fiddler crab hunt, but it was largely unsuccessful and devolved into just funtime!



As darkness fell, the singing and companionship continued.
 

 
 
 
It was a great night!

 
 
****************************************************

 
 

This evening (Sunday) we had three dolphins swim up and then back out of the bay. Very cool!
 





*************************************************


Those neat "Strathmere Picture Frames" are still available.
Karen Mitchell donated them as a fundraiser for the Strathmere Volunteer Fire Company.



 
 
For only $20, you get a set of two black leather frames. One holds a 3.5"x5" picture, and the other holds a 4"x6" picture.
The frames are stitched in white and have "Strathmere" written on the frame in blue lettering. All of the proceeds go to the SVFC!
These are great memory makers, stocking stuffers, hostess gifts, shower presents, etc.. Put your family and friends' Strathmere photos in your Strathmere frame!
 
Call Karen Mitchell at 609-231-6000 or stop by 21 Williams Road to buy your frames.

*************************************
 

If you've paid your 2013 SIA dues - Thank You!!
 
If you haven't paid your SIA dues yet, we ask you to please do so.
Info on dues is at the end of this newsletter.
 
 
 
*****************************************

 

The SIA has sold out of the Strathmere caps, but we still have visors available for $10.
 
They are available at 212 Bayview Drive (609-263-6846). Get several - for yourself and for gifts - to help the SIA
 
 
********************************************

 

Remember to follow and "like" the SIA (click the "Thumbs Up" box ) on Facebook:
 
You'll get an early look at lots of things going on in Strathmere!
 
 
**************************************************************
 


Upcoming Events - please add to your calendars:


SFEC Tuna Classic July 13 to August 17

Schiavo Library Family Scavenger Hunt, 6:30pm, Thursday, August 8

SIA Meeting, 8:00pm, Friday, August 9

Lifeguard Kayak Festival, Saturday, August 10

Schiavo Library Local Authors' Night, 7:00pm, Thursday August 15

CFSWB Star Party, Friday, August 16,

Nightmare in Strathmere Boat Parade, 6:30pm, Saturday, August 24

Strathmere Volunteer Fire Company Barbecue, 6:00pm, Wednesday August 28

Kids' Surf Fishing Tournament, Saturday Morning, August 31

SFEC Meeting, 5:00pm, Saturday, September 7

Last Day of Flounder Season Sunday, September 24

 
Services at the Strathmere United Methodist Church every Sunday to September 29: 9:15 Hymn Sing; 9:30 Service.
 

Let us know of additions or corrections!
 
 
***********************************************************
 

Our February 11, 2013 Newsletter on flood zones and flood insurance is posted on the Upper Township website here - http://www.uppertownship.com/images/PDF/Flood%20Rates%20Newsletter%202%2011%2013.pdf (under General Information... Announcements... Super Storm Sandy). We suggest you make the website location one of your "favorites" or "bookmarks", as you'll probably want to refer to it as the BFE / FIRM saga continues to unfold...
 
**********
 
And once again, check out Carol Baker's wonderful Strathmere History website at http://www.strathmere.net
 
 
*********************************************************************
 
The Strathmere Improvement Association includes all owners in Strathmere and Whale Beach and many visitors. It was founded in 1951 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.
 
The SIA is keeping the annual dues at $10 per adult family member. The dues and the fund raisers provide for the Fourth of July Parade and our share of the Christmas Party. We conducted a number of Centennial events last year, and also donated money to help pay for extra State Police protection, and to residents affected by Sandy.
 

NOTE: Since most of you never formally "signed up" as members, obviously we cannot "force" you to pay dues, which are really more like (non-deductible) donations anyway.
If you don't pay, we will still keep you on our newsletter distribution. The only penalty will be that you can't vote in our (mostly uncontested) elections!
 
Nevertheless, we really hope you see value in our projects and enjoy the newsletters enough so that you'll contribute $10 per adult family member.
 
Thanks!


Please send dues payments to SIA at PO Box 57, Strathmere, NJ 08248. Remember to tell us your correct e-mail address!
 

Also, please let us know if you have comments or suggestions for the newsletter or for SIA in general, or if you'd like us to change your e-mail address in our records.

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

 
**************************************
 
 
 
Thanks very much for your continuing support of the Strathmere Improvement Association!
 

Linda Bateman
Elaine Holsomback
Donna Diefenderfer
Rosemarie Whelan
Ken Weaver