Wednesday, October 30, 2013

Happy 105th birthday to Blandine Schilling formerly of Ernie's Corner in Strathmere


Tim Cox let me know that Blandine Schilling recently celebrated her 105th birthday! She and her husband Ernie ran the grill and grocery store in Strathmere until the early 1980s.
She now lives in Hilton Head South Carolina and attends St. Francis by the Sea Church.


Below is a reprint of the story that appeared in The Catholic Miscellany on Blandine's 100th birthday.




Blandine Schilling, 99, leads an active life of faith
BY CHRISTINA LEE KNAUSS THE CATHOLIC MISCELLANY HILTON HEAD


Blandine Schilling, 99, has become one of the best-known members of St. Francis by the Sea Church. She attends daily Mass so faithfully, always sitting in the front row, that when she left for a two-month trip earlier this summer, she was instantly missed.Daughter Susan Boyd said that dozens of people greet her by name at church social functions, and at locations around the island. Her birthdays have become a cause for celebration at the parish.

Schilling, a native of France, will celebrate her 100th birthday on Oct. 16. She said her strong religious faith and a good attitude have helped her live this long. “My faith helps me to live. I could not be without it,” Schilling said in a recent interview with The Miscellany. “I have been so blessed to have a healthy life and a healthy family.” She’s been a member at St. Francis by the Sea since 1998, when she moved to South Carolina from Florida.

She grew up in the city of Tourcoing in the north of France, in a region known for its textile mills. Schilling started working in the mills when she was 13, and became adept at a skill called “invisible mending,” which involved hand sewing to fix flaws in fabric as it came off the looms. She came to the United States through Ellis Island at the age of 19, after the death of her mother.“She had four brothers and sisters at home, and her father let her go because she could send money home,” Boyd said. “She also said she wanted to come because of the adventure of going to the United States.” Schilling remembered one humorous anecdote from her time at Ellis Island. A processing agent told her that American girls “would be jealous of her beautiful teeth.” Schilling grew up during World War I, and she said sugar and sweets were almost nonexistent.

Schilling moved to Philadelphia to live with an aunt and took a job in her mending shop. When the Great Depression hit in 1929, Schilling’s “invisible mending” was in high demand because people couldn’t afford to buy new clothes and brought them to her to be repaired. In Philadelphia, Schilling met a German immigrant, Ernest Schilling, when both were enrolled in night school to learn English. The two married and raised seven children — three girls and four boys — in Philadelphia, where Ernest ran a restaurant called the Fernwood Diner.

The family continued to grow over the years. Schilling now has 18 grandchildren and 17 great-grands. Ernest wasn’t Catholic when they were first married, so the couple said their vows in a rectory. He later became a convert, and the couple renewed their vows with a full church wedding in 1960.

They moved to Strathmere, N.J., and ran a grocery store and grill there until the early ‘80s, and then retired to Florida. Ernest died in 1991, and Schilling moved to Hilton Head seven years later. For many years, she walked to the church from her apartment at an assisted living facility adjacent to the church property.

These days, Boyd drops Schilling off for Mass in the morning. “She’s treated like the doyenne of the church,” Boyd said. “People vie to take her home when it’s over.”“She’s quite an individual,” said Dr. Vincent Rerucha, a retired physician and fellow member of St. Francis who regularly drives Schilling home from daily Mass. “She is really considerate of everybody; she’s got a good memory; she knows everybody at St. Francis. And everybody knows Blandine.”

Lorraine Dufour also drives Schilling home frequently, and the women have become close friends. “She’s a really sweet lady and such a devoted parishioner,” Dufour said. “She loves a party and loves a good time. I draw a lot of inspiration from her. She’s like an Eveready battery; she keeps going.”Schilling’s daily life is an active one. She plays games three times a week, takes senior exercise classes, and reads three or more murder mysteries a week. Her favorite author is Agatha Christie. She crochets and makes baby blankets for each new family birth.

She also still nurtures a lifelong love for travel. Her most recent trips took her to Montana for a grandchild’s wedding, Bermuda, Philadelphia and upstate New York.

Her Catholic faith, Schilling said, is one of the reasons she is able to stay so active. She also knows how important it is to help others live their faith, she added. Schilling is an extraordinary minister of holy Communion who regularly brings the Eucharist to shut-ins at her assisted living complex. She said she has a special devotion to St. Thérèse of Lisieux, likes to say the prayer of St. Francis of Assisi and regularly prays seven rosaries a day.

“My mother has a very strong belief in God watching over her,” Boyd said. “She’s weathered the sadness in her life with an unshakeable faith.” Schilling said she doesn’t have any overly profound advice for people who wonder how she’s lived this long. Her three simple tips sum up the way she’s approached her entire life.“Stay active, stay involved, and keep the faith,” she said.

Published Oct. 2,, 2008, The Catholic Miscellany


SIA Newsletter 10 29 2013 - Another Christmas Party Change; Sandy; Deauville; Tidal Levels; Bulk Trash; Boat Ramp

To All Strathmere and Whale Beach Homeowners and Visitors,

In our October 9 Newsletter, we advised you that there would be changes in this year's Community Christmas Party. Because of severe overcrowding at the Firehouse, it would move to the Deauville Inn and there would be a charge for all attendees nine and older.
But now we have another big change in Our Christmas Party!
 
The Citizens for Strathmere and Whale Beach organization has offered a very generous, one-time donation to keep the party free for one more year. The SIA and the Strathmere Volunteer Fire Company will still contribute what they did last year.
 
The party will take place on Saturday, December 14, from 6:00 to 10:00 pm. The Deauville will provide appetizers, a full dinner, and one drink ticket for wine or beer. We'll again ask attendees to bring their favorite desserts to share.
 
Since a free dinner at the Deauville will obviously be very popular, and we do not want to overwhelm the Deauville Dining Room, we'll put an upper limit on the number of tickets. Attendance will be limited to the following folks: Strathmere residents, homeowners, Fire Company members and SIA members.
 
You must apply for tickets by mail to the SIA at PO Box 57, Strathmere 08248, or email Donna at donnad921@comcast.net . Please provide the names of people you are requesting tickets for, your Strathmere and home addresses, and especially the name, age and shirt size of any children 12 and under.
 
Don't forget the address you want tickets mailed back to.
 
We expect tickets to run out fairly quickly, so don't wait to apply!  We do not believe there will be any tickets left to make available at the door.
 
Also, Santa would like to start planning and ordering the gifts for children 12 and under as soon as possible.
 
Sounds like a great party! Special thanks to the CFSWB and of course to the SIA and the Fire Company, also.
 
 
We look forward to seeing you on December 14!
 
 

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

 
Today, October 29, is the date the Sandy came ashore last year. Certainly not a date to celebrate, but we should take time to acknowledge the hardships and suffering many of our neighbors endured (and some are still enduring) from that storm.


To all those who chipped in to help, whether through SURF or giving of your personal time, our sincere thanks!
 

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

 

The storm and subsequent release by FEMA of Advisory Base Flood Elevation maps caused us all to learn about the changes in flood maps and the Biggert-Waters Act of 2012 changing the way flood insurance premiums are calculated...


Ed Tettemer passed along this New York Times article indicating folks beyond the Jersey shore are also upset...

 

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


In past off-seasons, the Deauville Inn has gone to a five-day schedule, closing on Tuesday and Wednesday.

This year, they are experimenting with a full seven-day schedule. If enough people come in on Tuesday and Wednesday, they'll stay open for seven days all winter.


If you're near Strathmere on Tuesday or Wednesday, we suggest you stop in.


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

 
We previously reported on and showed pictures of the five consecutive days (Wednesday, October 9 to Sunday, October 13) of flooding on Bayview Drive.
You might want to save this website on tidal water levels. Click on "East" (upper left) and then down the left side to the number left of "Atlantic City".
It will take you here, and you'll see a plot like the one below.
The blue line shows the "normal", or predicted height of the water off Atlantic City. The red line, or plot, shows the observed (actual) height.
The difference between them, called the residual, is plotted in green.
When we have a northeast wind, we have to watch the residual. If the water builds up and can't get back out, the residual continues to climb and the next high tide(s) can be damaging.
Here you can see that on Saturday, October 12 the afternoon tide reached six feet with a residual of just over a foot.
 
The residual then went almost all the way up to two feet Saturday night, during a "low" high tide, but by Sunday afternoon, the wind had changed and the residual dropped back to one foot. We still had almost a six-foot tide, and water again in Bayview, but without the wind change and drop in the residual, it would have been much worse.



 

Now that you know how to read these things, here's an interesting "Forecast" Ted Kingston found on 10/28/12 - a day before Sandy came ashore!

Looks like they were pretty accurate.


 

 

We'll have a quiz on all this some Wednesday evening at the Deauville!

 

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

 

Our next bulk pickup of trash will be Monday, November 4.

 

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

 
Upper Township has received a $280,000 grant from Cape May County to rehabilitate our boat ramp on Bayview Drive.


It will include the addition of a floating dock and a pier.


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



Remember to follow and "like" the SIA (click the "Thumbs Up" box ) on Facebook:
 
 
 
***************************************

 

Upcoming Events - please add to your calendars:

SFEC Meeting (Nominations of Officers), 4:00 pm, Saturday, November 9
SFEC Last Cast Tournament, Friday to Saturday, November 29-30
SFEC Meeting (Election of Officers and Christmas Party), 4:00 pm, Saturday, December 7
Community Christmas Party at the Deauville Inn, 6:00 pm Saturday, December 14

Let us know of additions or corrections!
 
 
 
***********************************************************
 
Again, check out Carol Baker's wonderful Strathmere History website at http://www.strathmere.net/
 


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

 

The Strathmere Improvement Association 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.
 
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, October 09, 2013

SIA Newsletter 10 9 2013 - Bayberry and Beach Plum Planting Saturday; No Trash or Recycling Monday; Beach Funding; Christmas Party Changes; Bayview Flooding; Calendar

To All Strathmere and Whale Beach Homeowners and Visitors,

This Saturday, October 12, is the Strathmere Fishing and Environmental Club's "Environmental Day".
The Club invites Whale Beach & Strathmere residents to join them in planting Beach Plums & Bayberry bushes at 10 am at Randolph Road and the beach (rain date October 13 at noon). Please bring a shovel and gloves if you can.
In addition, the SFEC requests all to join them for a special presentation by the
American Littoral Society that afternoon at 4 PM at the Firehouse.
Refreshments will be served following the discussion.
 
 
**********************************************************
 
Since this Monday is the Columbus Day Holiday, there will be no trash or recycling picked up.
Trash will be picked up on Tuesday, October 15, but the next recycling pickup will be Monday, October 21.
The next bulk trash pickup will be November 4.
A reminder that all of Cape May County went to "single stream" recycling earlier this year.
You can now mix cans, bottles, plastic containers, newspapers and boxes in one container as indicated here:
 



Large stickers like this are available at the Post Office.

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


Paul Dietrich clarified that only next year's beach replenishment will be funded 100% by mitigation funds from the Sandy storm.

Subsequent replenishment projects will revert to the formula of 65% federal funding and roughly 26% State and 9% Township funding.

 

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

 

The Strathmere Community Christmas Party will take place on Saturday, December 14, from 6:00 to 10:00 pm and will once again be hosted jointly by the Strathmere Volunteer Fire Company and the Strathmere Improvement Association.
 
This year, however, we've had to make some changes. In a way, our Christmas Party's popularity has forced us into this. Last year, attendance climbed to well over 125 attendees. Not only was it difficult to find a seat for dinner, but the limit for the second floor of the Firehouse is just 75 people. It was, by definition, an unsafe condition and embarrassing to the sponsors.
 
Since we don't want to limit the number of attendees, we have decided to move the party to a larger location.
 
This year's party will take place at the Deauville Inn. The Deauville will provide appetizers, a full dinner (menu to follow), (drink tickets for) red and white wine, beer, soda, and water. We'll again ask attendees to bring their favorite desserts to share.
 
The SVFC and the SIA will subsidize the party with the same amount as in previous years. There will, however, be an admission charge to offset the additional costs.
Tickets purchased in advance will be $15 for adults and children 13 and over, and $5.00 for children from 9 to 12; children eight and under will be free. Tickets at the door will be $20 for adults and still $5 for children 9 to 12 (although Santa may not have gifts ready for latecomers). We think these are very reasonable prices for dinner, drinks, gifts and community camaraderie.
 
Tickets will be available at the Riordan Real Estate Office or by mail from the SIA at PO Box 57, Strathmere 08248.
 
Santa would like to start planning and ordering the gifts for children 12 and under as soon as possible. His elves will need the name, age and shirt size of all such children who are planning to attend. Please provide this information as soon as you can by e-mail to sia6@comcast.net, Donna Diefenderfer at donnad921@comcast.net or call Donna's cell phone at 215-801-5876.
 
We look forward to seeing you on December 14!
 

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

 

We've had quite a northeast wind today (Wednesday), resulting in flooding once again on Bayview Drive.
It began to flood at 10:30 this morning and as we write this around 4:30 pm, you still can't get to many homes.
 



 
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-Sponsored Beachplum and Bayberry Planting, 10 am Saturday, October 1
SFEC Meeting & Environmental Program (open to all), 4:00 pm Saturday, October 12
Community Christmas Party at the Deauville Inn, 6:00 pm Saturday, December 14
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 kept the 2013 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 in 2012, donated money to help pay for extra State Police protection, and donated 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!
Dues payments may be sent 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
 
 
 
 
 
 

Friday, October 04, 2013

Schiavo Library: October 2013 Newsletter

Schiavo Library: October 2013 Newsletter 

Most Popular Books and DVDs for summer 2013: 
Most popular children’s books – Sea Monsters, The Enormous Crocodile & Charlotte’s Web
Most popular fiction – Gone Girl & And the Mountains Echoed
Most popular non-fiction – At Home: A Short History of Private Life & Killing Kennedy
Most popular DVD- Silver Linings Playbook (checked out a record 13 times)

Used Book Sale and Donations:
Our fifth annual “End of Summer” book sale is over and it was very successful. We made $541.80 and had 284 people stop in the library to browse and buy. Keep those donations coming!

October is Mystery Month at the Library:
For the month of October we are having a special drawing for a “mystery prize.” Check out a book (any type of book – it doesn’t have to be a mystery, even though we have LOTS of those to choose from) and enter to win.
We will also have our “Borrow a DVD for FREE” promotion this month. What a deal!

Winter Hours:
Hours will vary this winter. We’ll be open Tuesday - Saturday, either from 9-4pm or 8-3pm. This is to accommodate Melissa’s hours (she has to pick up children from school). And no Thursday evenings.




Our Library and the Used Book Sale Are Famous:
Well, maybe a little famous – we were STARS of a great article in the Hometown section of the Press of Atlantic City. Joan was even featured on the front page of that section.
Here’s a link: Article about the library



Christine Rohrman, Library Director
www.strathmerelibrary.org









Thursday, October 03, 2013

SIA Newsletter 10 2 2013 - Town Meeting Last Saturday on New FEMA Maps; Bayberry and Beach Plum Planting 10/12; Webcam; Like Us on Facebook!; Calendar

To All Strathmere and Whale Beach Homeowners and Visitors,

On Saturday, Upper Township Engineer Paul Dietrich came over to discuss several topics, primarily the new FEMA "Preliminary Work Maps".
 
We had a great crowd of over 50 people.
 
We'll try to summarize some key points here...
 
Paul pointed out that typically, the general public would not see the "advisory" maps that came out last December or even these preliminary maps. The advisory maps were published because of rebuilding requirements due to Superstorm Sandy. These preliminary maps would normally be shared only with State, County and Municipal officials, to get comments and input before releasing the preliminary FIRM maps, but because these maps are so different from the advisory maps, FEMA could not expect local officials to keep them "secret" until the next round of maps. As reported in previous newsletters, the new maps moved almost all of Strathmere and Whale Beach out of the "V" zone and into the "A" zone.
 
The next step will be the release of the Preliminary FIRMs (Flood Information Rate Maps), in a few months. These are the maps that solicit public input and the only ones that can be formally appealed. After considering all input, FEMA will release the actual FIRMs. These FIRMs are what the new flood insurance premiums will be based on, and no chnges in flood insurance rates due to mapping will occur until the next renewal (or new policy) after they take effect. We're guessing that for most people, that would be in 2015, although it could be in late 2014.
 
Most of Strathmere was previously in the A10 Zone, meaning (for flood insurance purposes) the elevation of your lowest "habitable" floor had to be 10 feet above "sea level" on the 1929 datum. These new maps use the 1988 datum, which, in Strathmere, puts "sea level" 1.28 feet higher than maps using the 1929 datum. This means that if your first floor was 10 feet above sea level on the old maps (or on your elevation certificate), it is now 1.28 feet closer to sea level or at 8.72 feet elevation.
 
Paul brought large-scale paper copies over for display, and we have taken them to the Schiavo Library where you can look at them. Frankly, if you are able to receive this newsletter, you can see these new maps in even more detail by accessing this link:
 
 
After you (center and click on the "+" to) zoom in to Strathmere on the map, click on "Basemap", then "Imagery" to see your house and the flood zone boundaries.
 
You can see that most of Strathmere is now in either the AE9 or AE10 zones (AE Zones are now used on the new format FIRMs instead of A1-A30 Zones).
 
If your first floor was at 10 feet in the old (still current) A10 zone, you are now at 8.72 feet with the new maps because of the new datum. Since FEMA rounds to the nearest foot, you would still be "at" Base Flood Elevation (BFE) if you are now in the AE9 zone, but a foot below BFE (and therefore "non-compliant" if you are now in the AE10 zone.
 
We know this is confusing to many people. Paul is willing to work with all homeowners to help them figure out where they stand, but he cannot do this without an elevation certificate for your house. It's possible he may have one on file for you (Paul's telephone number is 609-628-2011, Extension 244). If not, you should try your (flood) insurance agent to see if they have one on file and can send you a copy. If you cannot obtain your certificate that way, it is worthwhile for you to get a licensed surveyor to provide one for you by surveying the property.
 
Our February newsletter on this topic is still available here, on the Township website. We strongly recommend you read at least the first few pages to understand the terminology.
 
Most of Saturday's discussion was about the new maps. Again, as a result of the new law passed in 2012, many flood insurance premiums will be rising over the next few years because of the elimination of most subsidies, even without the new maps. This was covered in the February newsletter.
 
Paul also discussed the related Township ordinance. While FEMA measures from the first habitable floor if you are in the A (AE) zone, the Township requires, for new construction, rebuilding or raising your house, that the lowest horizontal member of the house be one foot above BFE (above the 9 foot or 10 foot levels on the new maps). This is a more stringent requirement than FEMA requires, but will get you less expensive flood insurance, make your home safer, and help get bigger discounts on flood insurance premiums for Upper Township communities (primarily Strathmere and Whale Beach). Remember, this requirement only applies if you do something requiring a construction permit.
 
Paul pointed out that as a result of this ordinance and other activities, Upper Township will be going to a Class 6 CRS (Community Rating System) FEMA rating, which will qualify us for a 20% (up from today's 15%) discount on flood insurance premiums. Unfortunately, houses that are "non-compliant" (first floor not at or above BFE) will not be entitled to the discount.
 
Paul indicated that the State of New Jersey is responsible for reviewing and distributing grants from the Federal relief money for Sandy (previously these decisions were made at the municipality level). Since the deadline for filing has just passed, no grant awards have been announced as yet. Strangely, a requirement of these grants is that you must wait to rebuild or raise your house until after award of the grant. You cannot apply retroactively. Also, only primary residents are eligible for these grants.
It is Paul's personal opinion, and nothing official, that there have not been a large number of applications for these grants and that there may be money remaining that would permit a second round of applications for second-home owners. We'll see...
 
The grants are not to be confused with the Increased Cost of Compliance (ICC) funds which are included as part of your flood insurance premium and for which anyone with flood insurance is eligible if they meet the requirements. Again, this is something you may discuss with Paul...
 
+++
 
Paul then went on to discuss the new trash and recycling collection procedures coming in 2014. The Township has purchased new automated trash and recycling trucks and containers. This will permit the collection of each with only the driver. These trucks will be used on the mainland, but not in Strathmere, because of summer congestion. Everyone in the Township, however, including Strathmere and Whale Beach, will get one new trash and one new recycling container. They will actually have embedded chips that will be associated with each address so that if they are found after a storm they can be returned. They are larger than previously used containers, but are ergonomically designed so that they can be easily rolled and tipped. A letter to Township residents describing the new process will be sent in the next week.
 
+++
 
Paul next discussed beach replenishment. The State has ageed to use mitigation funds from the Sandy storm to pay for not only the next beach replenishment but also ongoing (all future) beach replenishment projects in Upper. The design and contracting for the next phase, which will also include Sea Isle City and the south end of Ocean City, will take until this time next year, so it appears that our next replenishment will take place in 4Q 2014. Folks at the meeting agreed that our beaches are for the most part in very good shape. The replenishment will only do a portion of the State Park (Point), but the Township will work with the Army Corps to include more.
 
+++
 
Paul said that the Township has signed a contract for the last phase of dune fencing and dune grass. It will include the north end that could not be done earlier this year because of nesting birds, and also fencing and grass in Whale Beach. The Township is purchasing 135,000 square feet of dune grass to be planted under the contract.
 
+++
 
The Township received a grant to do two blocks of Bayview Drive. They have applied for an additional grant to do two more blocks so that four blocks could be done under one contract. Bayview Drive is very low (2.5 to 3.5 feet in elevation) and the four blocks between Webster and Sherman go under water at full moon or northeast winds. The design will have to take into account not blocking outflow from the Commonwealth side from a rainstorm and also not "pitching" water into garages along Bayview.
 
There was general discussion about the need to have bulkheads of adequate height to minimize flooding at all properties on Bayview Drive. If Strathmere residents or groups want to weigh in on the issue before Township Committee, it might help to move along the process.
 
+++
 
The Township has appropriated funds to reconstruct the boat ramp at the end on Bayview Drive. There is a chance, however, that the Township could get a grant from Cape May County for this work from Recreational Funds that already exist. If so, it would allow the work to be done without using Township taxpayer funds. This project, however, is long overdue and hopefully can get underway soon.
 
+++
 
It was pointed out that Cape May County will be issuing a Request for Proposals (RFP) this winter for the engineering work to resurface Commonwealth Avenue from the bridge approach to Sea Isle City. This would include correcting drainage problems and painting additional crosswalks. After engineering design and costs are determined, the project would be done in multiple phases as funding becomes available. The outflow pipes to improve drainage would be coordinated with the work to be done on Bayview Drive.
 
+++
 
Following the discussion, many people reviewed the FEMA maps. Again, they are available at the library, but may best be viewed online.
 
The SIA thanks everyone for coming out, but especially Paul Dietrich for giving up a Saturday afternoon and providing so much information!
 
 
************************************************************************************
 

Please plan to be in town for Columbus Day Weekend.
 
That Saturday, October 12, is the Strathmere Fishing and Environmental Club's "Environmental Day".
 
The Club invites Whale Beach & Strathmere residents to join them in planting
Beach Plums & Bayberry bushes at 10 am at Randolph Road and the beach (rain date October 13 at noon).
 
Please bring a shovel and gloves if you can.
 

In addition, the SFEC requests all to join them for a special presentation by the
American Littoral Society that afternoon at 4 PM at the Firehouse.
 
Refreshments will be served following the discussion.
 
 
************************************************************************
 

 Ed Tettemer wants everyone to know that the Beach Webcam at the Octagon is back up and running and you can check out the Randolph Road beach here: 
 
 
Add it to your "favorites".
 


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

 

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-Sponsored Beachplum and Bayberry Planting, 10 am Saturday, October 12

SFEC Meeting & Environmental Program (open to all), 4:00 pm Saturday, October 12

 
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 kept the 2013 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 in 2012, donated money to help pay for extra State Police protection, and donated 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!
Dues payments may be sent 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