SIA Newsletter 5 10 2013 - The Old Shack Is Open; Restaurants; Recycling; Book Sale; Mahjong; Lost & Found; Walkers; Flounder Seminar; USPS; SURF

To All Strathmere and Whale Beach Homeowners and Visitors,

 In our recent listing of restaurants' opening dates, we neglected to point out that the "Old Shack" opened the first weekend in May. Please stop in!

 La Fontana Del Mare is now open Friday, Saturday and Sunday, and both Twisties and Uncle Bill's will be opening this weekend. Also, the Deauville Inn has now returned to a seven-day schedule.

 Here is a nice article on Mildred's that appeared in the April 9 edition of the Press of Atlantic City.

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Hopefully, most homeowners who were affected by Sandy have now had the opportunity to check out their property. If you had flooding in (or under) your home and haven't had the wiring checked by an electrician, please do so to avoid a fire!

 

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"Single Stream" Recycling - Cape May County has installed equipment that will permit all recycling products to be mixed together by residents. While the Township has not yet revised their website to reflect this, they have provided the attached pamphlet for your Strathmere refrigerator. They have begun collecting comingled recyclables.

You can find info on trash and recycling collection schedules here.

 

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The Schiavo Library is holding its annual “Welcome Summer” Used Book Sale. The dates are Thursday, May 23 through June 8. The library is open Tuesday through Saturday from 10:00am to 4:00pm and located at 801 South Commonwealth Avenue. They’ve been collecting donations all winter long and have HUNDREDS of books! There are books for everyone – novels, nonfiction, paperback and children’s books as well as magazines, CDs and VHS tapes. All books and  media are very reasonably priced ($.25 to $1.00) Everyone is welcome to stop in and shop! For more information please call the library at (609) 486-6265 or check the website at strathmere library.org.
 

A group of Strathmere women is forming to learn and play Mahjong at the Schiavo library, and dates have been chosen for the mahjong group’s first lessons:

Friday: June 14th 9-10am
Monday: June 17th 9-10am
Friday: June 21st 9-10am

The group is meeting at the library before opening hours. They'll take advantage of the “quiet” time to learn this interesting game. If you’d like to join them, call or email the library.


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Lost and Found:
Found - The dock box we pictured has been restored to its owners.
Still lost - A recycling container identical to this one, and the brown matching lids for both - lost in the March Nor'easter.

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Some residents are interested in starting a “Walking Group.” It will be open to anyone who would like to walk as a form of exercise or socialization, and will be a loosely formed group that will meet at 21 Williams Road at 8:15 AM daily, starting Memorial Day weekend. Everyone is welcome. There are no rules or requirements. The starting date is Saturday, May 25th @ 8:15 AM. Some suggested names are the "Ludlum Steppers" or the "Corson Crawlers", but the name has not been finalized...

 

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Free Flounder Fishing Seminar by Bill "Bucktail Willie" Shillingford at Whale Creek Marina this Saturday, May 11th at 9:00AM. There will be free coffee and donuts and some of the best fishing advice available for all who attend.

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Postal Hours Changing - We are sorry to report that the USPS has announced it will not honor the wishes of Strathmere residents, and will institute four-hour (only) window service from 12:30 to 4:30 Monday through Friday beginning Monday, May 20. Boxes will be available in the mornings, though that day's mail will not be sorted and available until around 1:30. Thanks to those of you who wrote to elected officials attempting to have the Postal Service honor our request for morning hours.

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SURF - The SURF treasury is quite low but committee members are still seeking information on anyone who has suffered damage and is in need of some help - especially as folks open up after the storm. Email: Strathmeresurf@yahoo.com . Donations of cash and gift cards are welcome and deductible. Checks should be made payable to Strathmere United Methodist Church, and mailed to SURF, PO Box 49, Strathmere, NJ 08248

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

 http://www.facebook.com/pages/Strathmere-Improvement-Association-SIA/184810134906201

 

 

You'll get an early look at lots of things going on in Strathmere! 

 

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Upcoming Events - please mark your calendars:

SFEC Surf Fishing Tournament, Friday and Saturday, May 10 and 11

Flounder Seminar at Whale Creek, 9:00am Saturday, May 10

SFEC Herb Hollinger, Sr Opening Day Flounder Tournament, Saturday, May 18

Schiavo Library Used Book Sale, May 23 to June 8

Walking Group begins strutting out from 21 Williams at 8:15, Saturday, May 25

Mahjong begins at the Schiavo Library at 9:00am, Friday, June 4

Strathmere Fourth of July Parade, 10:30am, Thursday, July 4

SIA Meeting, 8:00pm, Friday, July 12 (time & date tentative)

SIA Meeting, 8:00pm, Friday, August (time & date tentative)

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

Last Day of Flounder Season Sunday, September 27

Let us know of additions or corrections!

 

 

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Our February 11, 2013 Newsletter on flood zones and flood insurance has been posted on the new 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...

 

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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.

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, Strathmere 08248.

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

 

Linda Bateman

Elaine Holsomback

Donna Diefenderfer

Rosemarie Whelan

Ken Weaver

 

 

 

 

 

Schiavo Library: May 2013 Newsletter

Schiavo Library: May 2013 Newsletter

Organic Collection
Thanks to the inspiration and generosity of Karen Mitchell, our library is developing a collection of titles on all things organic and natural. We hope to become a “go-to” place for this type of research. So, if you’re interested in natural landscaping, composting, organic gardening, slow food, etc., stop in and see our book selection and website resource list.

Mahjong Dates
Dates have been chosen for the mahjong group’s first lessons.
They will be:
*Friday: June 14th 9-10am
*Monday: June 17th 9-10am
*Friday: June 21st 9-10am
The group is meeting here at the library before opening hours. They’re going to take advantage of the “quiet” time to learn this interesting game. If you’d like to join them, call or email the library.

Used Book Sale
Our fourth annual “Welcome Summer” Used Book Sale is scheduled for May 24th – June 14th. It looks like it will be a great sale this year – lots of donations, including some hardback fiction in great condition. Our hours are 10-4pm Tuesday – Saturday. Stop in for some bargains!


Some of our newest DVD titles (Oscar Winners, etc.)
Life of Pi, Lincoln, Argo, Zero Dark Thirty, Skyfall, The Lucky One, Guilt Trip, Parental Guidance, Les Miserables
And still only $1.00 for 3 days rental!



Christine Rohrman, Library Director
www.strathmerelibrary.org

Obituary for 'Trader Al' Dick Alliger

ALLIGER, RICHARD JANSEN - of Strathmere. Born June 18, 1934 in Philadelphia, PA, passed away March 26, 2013. Dick Alliger is survived by his two sisters, Joan H. Alliger and Nancy A. Foulke; his niece, Deborah R. Pelham; brothers-in-law, Hugh Foulke and David Foulke.
Dick was a publicist, handling advertising and promotion in radio and print and he created "Panorama Magazine" located in Doylestown, PA. He headed The Upper Township Beach Patrol in Strathmere. And was Public Relations Director for Sea Isle City. Dick was active in political and community affairs starting in Bucks County, PA as a disc jockey at WBUX. He ran political campaigns in Doylestown, PA and supported candidates in South Jersey. Dick's great love was his long running, syndicated radio show, "Make Believe Ballroom" heard up and down the East Coast where he played Big Band Music for his many fans. Over the years, Dick met many of those band leaders and had some great stories to share. He also had a Band in South Jersey that played on the board walk in Ocean City among other places.
Dick had a great sense of humor and always had a good joke to share. He was a fixture in Strathmere and will be sorely missed by his family and many loyal friends.

For condolences to the family, www.godfreyfuneralhome.com

Published in The Press of Atlantic City on May 5, 2013

 

http://www.legacy.com/obituaries/pressofatlanticcity/obituary.aspx?n=richard-jansen-alliger&pid=164618930#fbLoggedOut

 

 

 

There will be a memorial at The Deauville held by his sister on Sat., 5/18/13 1-3 pm
 

SIA Newsletter 4 12 2013 - Flood Zone Stuff; Property Taxes; Fires; Recycling; Franks to Whale Creek; Lost & Found; Mahjong; Walkers; Restaurants; Tax Returns; USPS; SURF

To All Strathmere and Whale Beach Homeowners and Visitors,

It's been some time since our last newsletter, so we have lots to share...

 

Our February 11, 2013 Newsletter on flood zones and flood insurance has been posted on the new 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...

At the FEMA Meeting at Township Hall on February 23, we asked the FEMA representatives to review our document for accuracy. We were pleased that they responded, "This was one of the most accurate write-ups (we) have seen in awhile. It was extremely thorough". While they recommended a few word changes, none were related to the accuracy of the document.

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As many of you know, the local papers have been filled with articles and letters on the flood heights and zones in the Advisory Base Flood Elevation maps released by FEMA in December.

 Lynn Fayter wrote a great letter to the Press of Atlantic City, here, that most of us would agree with. The Press also published this "guest editorial" from the Biloxi (Mississippi) Sun outlining the pain Gulf Coast residents are feeling.  Unfortunately, many people in the area between the Garden State Parkway and the West Coast (except for the Southern Coast, river valleys, etc.), probably agree with this letter to the Press. With all the issues facing Congress, it seems there is little chance they will revisit the 2012 National Flood Insurance Program law any time soon.

 As explained in the 2/11 Newsletter, FEMA said at the time they released the ABFE's that they were conservative, meaning that they were more strict than the preliminary maps to be issued later this year. Municipalities in South Jersey are now working together so that once the preliminary maps are issued, they can make a coordinated appeal. We believe that the "V-Zones" will be scaled back, but that the new elevation requirements will not change much.

 

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Taxes: the Upper Township Committee voted for no tax increase, holding the rate at 9.4 cents per $100 of assessed value, or $940 on a Strathmere property assessed at $1.0 million. The Upper Township School Board, however, voted for a 3.5 cent tax rate increase, which means that school taxes on that $1.0 million property will increase from $10,110 to about $10,460, or by $350.

 

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Fire Danger - If you follow us on Facebook, you know that we've had several fires and even more "close calls".

The former Curran Real Estate Building (and Strathmere's first Post Office in 1912) suffered a fire that originated from the furnace, and caused significant first floor damage.

 

 

 

There was a second fire at a home on South Bayview Drive in Whale Beach, just off Taylor Avenue, that apparently started from wiring corrupted by Sandy.

 

 

This one was fought with several feet of bay water in the street.

 

 

 

Quick action by the Strathmere Volunteer Fire Company prevented a total loss in both cases, but it was close. The SVFC also reported a number of "near misses" where wiring exposed to salt water during Sandy nearly started additional fires.

If you had flooding in your home and haven't had the wiring checked by an electrician, please do so!

 

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Trash Collection Info - Upper Township has revamped their website. You can find info on trash and recycling collection schedules here.

 

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"Single Stream" Recycling - Cape May County has installed equipment that will permit all recycling products to be mixed together by residents. There is optimism that this will increase the amount of products recycled, resulting in both reduced collection / landfill costs and costs to our environment. The Township has already begun collecting our recyclables on this basis.

 Here are the items that can be mingled curbside:

aluminum, glass, newspapers, office paper, junk mail, magazines, steel and tin cans, aerosol cans, plastics labeled #1-7, rigid plastic five gallons or less (such as buckets), uncontaminated cardboard boxes (such as pizza or cereal), paperback books, phone books, non-foil wrapping paper, six-pack rings, microwave trays, health, beauty and cleaning containers, yogurt and margarine tubs, shredded paper, brown paper bags.

Do not recycle:

food-contaminated boxes, styrofoam, plastic egg cartons, wax-coated cardboard, window glass, paint cans, light bulbs, plastic bags, pvc pipe, chemical or hazardous products.

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 No more boat rentals in Strathmere! Frank and Candy Jankowski have sold their business (not the real estate) to Morgan and Missy Delaney, so boats, tackle, website, etc. will all be moving to Whale Creek Marina in Whale Beach.

 

If you took the Centennial Trolley Tour last year, you'll remember that Oscar Wermuth started Oscar's boats in 1926. Frank's dad (also Frank) bought out Oscar in 1950 and it's been Frank's Boats ever since. Best wishes to Frank and Candy and to Morgan and Missy!

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Lost and Found:

Found - We reported on this dock box after Sandy, and it washed around again in the March Nor'easter. It's a very nice box (though the water sheared off the hasp) and is filled with crabbing equipment.

 

 

 

 

 

Lost - A recycling container identical to this one, and the brown matching lids for both - lost in the Nor'easter.

If you have info on either of these, please reply to this newsletter. Thanks!

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A group of Strathmere women is forming to learn and play Mahjong at the Schiavo library. A schedule will be available soon.

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Also, some residents are interested in starting a “Walking Group.” It will be open to anyone who would like to walk as a form of exercise or socialization, and will be a loosely formed group that will meet at 21 Williams Road at 8:15 AM daily, starting Memorial Day weekend. Everyone is welcome. There are no rules or requirements. The starting date is Saturday, May 25th @ 8:15 AM. Some suggested names are the "Ludlum Steppers" or the "Corson Crawlers", but the name has not been finalized...

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We're getting close to many of our favorites reopening for the season. At present, the Deauville Inn is open five days a week and Mildred's is open on Friday, Saturday and Sunday. Both Twisties and Uncle Bill's will reopen on May 10 for Mothers' Day Weekend. We're not sure of the date for La Fontana.

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Tax returns are due this Monday, April 15. If you had a property loss from Sandy exceeding 10% of your adjusted gross income, remember to complete Form 4684 and deduct the remaining loss on Schedule A. If you already filed, you can complete a 1040X.

 

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Postal Hours Changing - We are sorry to report that the USPS has announced it will not honor the wishes of Strathmere residents, and will institute four-hour (only) window service from 12:30 to 4:30 Monday through Friday beginning Monday, May 20. Boxes will be available in the mornings, though that day's mail will not be sorted and available until around 1:30. Thanks to those of you who wrote to elected officials attempting to have the Postal Service honor our request for morning hours.

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SURF - The SURF treasury is quite low but committee members are still seeking information on anyone who has suffered damages and is in need of some help - especially as folks open up after the storm. Email: Strathmeresurf@yahoo.com. Donations of cash and gift cards are welcome. Checks should be made payable to Strathmere United Methodist Church, and mailed to SURF, PO Box 49, Strathmere, NJ 08248

 

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

 http://www.facebook.com/pages/Strathmere-Improvement-Association-SIA/184810134906201

 

You'll get an early look at lots of things going on in Strathmere!

 

 

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Upcoming Events - please mark your calendars:
Ocean City DooDah Parade, Noon, Saturday April 13
SFEC Membership Meeting, 4:00pm, Saturday, April 20
SFEC Surf Fishing Tournament, Friday and Saturday, May 10 and 11
SFEC Herb Hollinger, Sr Opening Day Flounder Tournament, Saturday, May 18

Schiavo Library Used Book Sale, May 24 to June 14

Strathmere Fourth of July Parade, 10:30am, Thursday, July 4
SIA Meeting, 8:00pm, Friday, July 12 (time & date tentative)
SIA Meeting, 8:00pm, Friday, August (time & date tentative)
Nightmare in Strathmere Boat Parade, 6:30pm, Saturday, August 24

Let us know of additions or corrections!

And once again, check out Carol Baker's wonderful Strathmere History website at http://www.strathmere.net/

 

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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.

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, Strathmere 08248.

  

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

 

Linda Bateman

Elaine Holsomback

Donna Diefenderfer

Rosemarie Whelan

Ken Weaver

 

 

 

Schiavo Library: April 2013 Newsletter

Schiavo Library: April 2013 Newsletter

National Library Week National Library Week is April 14 – 20th.
We will be celebrating with bookmarks and cupcakes. Stop in! This year I chose our very able and reliable assistant, Melissa Warren, as our official “Star” Assistant. Thanks Melissa for a great job!


Important Warning:
When you come back to Strathmere this spring and summer, make sure that you check your home’s wiring for water damage. Salt water from flooding is very bad for wiring and appliances. The Strathmere Volunteer Fire Company suggests: Be safe – get it checked out!


Mahjong, anyone?
A group is forming to learn and practice Mahjong here in the library. A schedule will be available soon. Also, some residents are interested in starting a “Walking Group.” If you would like to join them during their morning walk, call the library for more details (609 486-6265). See, it’s definitely SPRING!


Save the date:
Our fourth annual Memorial Day Used Book Sale is scheduled for May 24th – June 14th. Donations have been coming in all winter and we have TONS of good books – hardbound and paperback. Our prices are very reasonable, too.


Some of our newest book titles:
Home by Toni Morrison
The Chaperone by Laura Moriarty
Fall from Grace by Richard North Patterson
Agenda 21 by Glenn Beck
Team of Rivals by Doris K. Goodwin
Killing Kennedy by Bill O’Reilly



Christine Rohrman, Library Director
www.strathmerelibrary.org





         

SIA Newsletter 3 11 2013 - Alert Letter From the SVFC

To All Strathmere and Whale Beach Homeowners and Visitors,

Please take time to read the attached letter from the Strathmere Volunteer Fire Company. After several dangerous incidents this past week, it's a good time to remind folks that, in the aftermath of Sandy, a thorough check-up on wires, appliances and HVAC systems is a worthy idea.


 








Thanks for supporting the Strathmere Improvement Association!

Linda Bateman   
Elaine Holsomback      
Donna Diefenderfer       
Rosemarie Whelan                
Ken Weaver

2 recent fires in Strathmere

On Friday 3/8/13 there was a fire at the corner of Tecumseh and Commonwealth (formerly Curran Realty) No one was at home when the fire broke out, the family dog was saved, two Ocean City firefighters who were helping our Fire Department received minor injuries (hand and neck)

Here is a story and photos from The Ocean City Patch

Here are some photos from Ed Tettemer - http://www.flickr.com/photos/23891145@N05/sets/72157632953347599/


NBC40.net NBC40.net

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Then on Saturday 3/9 another fire broke out on Bayview off Taylor Ave. The road was partially flooded from the super high tide, so our Fire Department had to use the 'new' military style truck to get to the fire.



Below is a video from ABC News

Schiavo Library: March 2013 Newsletter

Schiavo Library: March 2013 Newsletter


And the Winner of the Oscar is…
If you missed seeing some of the Oscar nominees and winners on the “big screen,” take heart. Our goal is to purchase them as they become available on DVD so that you may enjoy them this spring and summer. Season 3 of Downton Abbey is already here. Stop in and see what else we have!

Do You Love Libraries?
You may want to check out this website: www.ilovelibraries.org. It’s an initiative of the American Library Association supporting one of the nation’s most important resources. The website features: Book Lovers (recommended book lists), Ask the Librarian, Library Quotes, Support School Libraries and more.

Library Quotes
The Library Quote for this month is from Walter Cronkite: “Whatever the cost of our libraries, the price is cheap compared to that of an ignorant nation.

Is Spring just around the Corner?
Well, it’s not quite here yet. As I write this on March 8th, it’s snowing. But spring and summer will soon be here. Are your lawn and garden ready? Thanks to a generous Strathmere resident, our library is building a collection of books on organic landscaping. This is a subject that has real relevance here on the islands. During the summer we hope to have a program on organic lawn care. Stay tuned.


Christine Rohrman, Library Director


www.strathmerelibrary.org

SIA Newsletter 2 19 2013 - FEMA Meeting at Township Hall 10 am Saturday

To All Strathmere and Whale Beach Homeowners and Visitors,

We've been notified that there will be a FEMA Meeting this Saturday from 10 am to noon at the Township Hall, 2100 Tuckahoe Road in Petersburg.

If you have questions on the Advisory Base Flood Elevations or any other questions for FEMA, we suggest you attend.

We also suggest that you read the SIA Newsletter of February 11 before attending.

They have deliberately scheduled it for Saturday because many out-of-towners will be in Strathmere for the SFEC Winter Social at the Deauville Inn.

 

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Thanks for supporting the Strathmere Improvement Association!

 

Linda Bateman   

Elaine Holsomback      

Donna Diefenderfer       

Rosemarie Whelan                

Ken Weaver

 

 

SIA Newsletter 2 15 2013 - Flood Elevation FAQ's; WSJ Articles; SURF; No Trash Monday

To All Strathmere and Whale Beach Homeowners and Visitors,

Sorry to come back with another newsletter so quickly, but two of the links below are time-sensitive...
First, here is an excellent article on the Ocean City Patch.com, "Updated FAQ on New Jersey's Flood Elevation Rules".

Much of this information was included in our February 11 Newsletter, but this may help to make things clearer...

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An SIA member wrote us,

"Greetings – here are a couple Wall Street Journal articles which may be of interest to homeowners in Strathmere. As an FYI, the articles will be available for seven days (until February 21) - I’m a subscriber.

http://online.wsj.com/article_email/SB10001424127887323696404578300481679933910-lMyQjAxMTAzMDEwNDExNDQyWj.html?mod=wsj_valettop_email

 

http://online.wsj.com/article_email/SB10001424127887323316804578161210311111272-lMyQjAxMTAzMDEwNDExNDQyWj.html?mod=wsj_valettop_email

In the first link, above, there is a video on the left of the webpage in which WSJ's Leslie Scism explains why more than $200 million in insurance payments have been slow to flow from banks into the hands of homeowners.

Apparently, in many cases, FEMA and the insurance companies have released the funds for claims, but since many people have mortgages, the mortgage holders (banks) won't release the funds until they are sure the money is being used to repair home damage (their collateral). Since there are so many, the banks are overwhelmed with the volume.

 

 

 

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And, repeating...

SURF - For more than 90 days, homeowners waited for a check from their insurance company; some still wait. Their bills, however, do not. For many, the only funds received were from those raised by the Strathmere United Relief Fund (SURF). If you have already donated to the fund, we thank you. We still have folks in need and anticipate a renewed need in the spring when homes are reopened for the season. Please consider making a donation or another donation. Mail a check payable to the Strathmere United Methodist Church; please write SURF in the memo line and mail to PO Box 49, Strathmere, 08248.

As one recipient said: "The only bright spot in this whole disaster has been SURF. Knowing someone cared and was willing to help, went a long way toward my recovery."



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This Monday is Presidents' Day, and as a Township Holiday there will be no trash or recycling collected. Trash will be collected Tuesday, but recycling must be held until February 25.

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

http://www.facebook.com/pages/Strathmere-Improvement-Association-SIA/184810134906201

 

Upcoming Events - mark your calendars:

Fire Commission Elections Saturday, February 16, 2:00 pm to 9:00 pm

SFEC Winter Social at the Deauville Inn, Saturday, February 23, 6:00 pm

 

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.

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, Strathmere 08248.

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

 

Linda Bateman   

Elaine Holsomback      

Donna Diefenderfer       

Rosemarie Whelan                

Ken Weaver

 

 

SIA Newsletter 2 14 2013 - Sandy, etc; Elections Saturday; SURF (Please); NO TRASH MONDAY; Write Re: USPS

To All Strathmere and Whale Beach Homeowners and Visitors,

Happy Valentine's Day to All!

We have a number of items related to Sandy and the continuing saga of flood insurance rate increases..

The front page of the Press on February 13 had this story about the National Hurricane Center's Final Report on Sandy...

And in the same issue was a reprint of this editorial from the Washington Post...

Strathmere resident Lynn Fayter attended the Upper Township Committee Meeting in January and reports that she asked the Township to:

1. Hire a coastal engineer to investigate appealing the new zones.
2. Include all 700 homes in flood zones on the grant letter of intent for elevation money (there are 700 homes in Strathmere and on the mainland in flood zones). She says she felt it was unfair to only include people that called to request inclusion as Upper had failed to properly inform people of the potential for grant money. FEMA stated if a home was not included they would not receive money.

She then attended the February 11 Meeting and further reports that:

1. Upper budgeted money for a coastal engineer and may partner with Ocean City and/or the county to appeal the zones.
2. 500 homes were included in the letter of intent.

In this regard, Township Engineer Paul Dietrich reports that there is still information developing regarding the Hazard Mitigation Grant Program and that the Township has not yet made any decisions.

The Upper Township Gazette reported on the meeting here - http://www.shorenewstoday.com/snt/news/index.php/upper-township/upper-township/34799-upper-other-shore-towns-prepare-to-fight-new-flood-maps.html
 

Both Paul and Lynn have asked us to publicize that the deadline of March 1 for applying for an SBA loan to repair damage from Sandy is fast approaching.

 

A website that explains it and has an online link to apply is here - http://www.fema.gov/news-release/2013/02/11/deadline-approaches-return-sba-disaster-loan-application-march-1

Lynn says, "It's a very easy process and the SBA people are great. They are also based at the Ocean City Library for walk-ins. Non-primary (residence) people that rent qualify as a small business. The rates are low and better than home equity as they may not have to purchase flood insurance like they would for home equity (loans). Not positive but certainly something for them to pursue. The loan can sit there until they're ready for it, might be a good bridge for people that would need to wait for the ICC money which is not given until the house is raised." She also suggests that you use the term "mitigation against future damages" rather than "rebuilding" on your application...

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There was an article from the Upper Township Sentinel reporting on that February 11 Meeting and saying that Strathmere may get jitney service this summer...

 

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This Saturday, February 16, from 2:00 pm until 9:00 pm, elections will be held for the Strathmere Board of Fire Commissioners (Upper Township District #1).

There are three openings on the Board, and three candidates are running: Karen Mitchell and Ken Weaver for three-year terms and Randy Roash for a one-year term.

Also being voted on is the 2013 Fire Commission Budget of $75,975 to be raised from property taxes. Details here - http://www.uppertownship.com/Fire%20Companies/Fire%20District%20No%201/Budget%20and%20Audits/Summary%20of%20Adopted%202013%20Budget%20FD1.pdf
 

You may recall that in our January 20 newsletter, we reported that New Jersey passed a law mandating that all NJ Fire Commissions have a website up and available to the public by February 1, 2013. The law specified certain information that had to be included in the website. Upper Township agreed to host, at no charge, websites for the four Fire Districts in the Township, including posting information provided to them by the Commissions.

 

The Strathmere Fire Commission website beat the deadline and you can access it here - http://www.uppertownship.com/Fire%20Companies/district_number_1_index.htm

 Besides that link, you can find it on the left side of the Township homepage (second button from the top left).

Please take time to come out Saturday and vote - right after you dry off from SIC's Polar Bear Plunge - http://www.seawindsofseaisle.com/news/post/Sea-Isle-Polar-Bear-Plunge-2013-Weekend.aspx

 

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SURF - For more than 90 days, homeowners waited for a check from their insurance company; some still wait. Their bills, however, do not. For many, the only funds received were from those raised by the Strathmere United Relief Fund (SURF). If you have already donated to the fund, we thank you. We still have folks in need and anticipate a renewed need in the spring when homes are reopened for the season. Please consider making a donation or another donation. Mail a check payable to the Strathmere United Methodist Church; please write SURF in the memo line and mail to PO Box 49, Strathmere, 08248.

As one recipient said: "The only bright spot in this whole disaster has been SURF. Knowing someone cared and was willing to help, went a long way toward my recovery."

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This Monday is Presidents' Day, and as a Township Holiday there will be no trash or recycling collected. Trash will be collected Tuesday, but recycling must be held until February 25.
 

http://www.uppertownship.com/Road_Dept/2013/upper_township_public_works_resident_information.htm

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In our January 28 newsletter, we asked that you write concerning window hours at the Strathmere Post Office We hope you have. If not, please take a few minutes to do so. Again, your letter could be the one that causes the USPS to reconsider its decision and provide us with the morning window hours the community requested. Thanks!

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

http://www.facebook.com/pages/Strathmere-Improvement-Association-SIA/18481013490620

 

You'll get an early look at lots of things going on in Strathmere


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Upcoming Events - mark your calendars:
Fire Commission Elections Saturday, February 16, 2:00 pm to 9:00 pm

SFEC Winter Social at the Deauville Inn, Saturday, February 23, 6:00 pm

Let us know of additions or corrections!

And once again, check out Carol Baker's wonderful Strathmere History website at http://www.strathmere.net/

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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.

 

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, Strathmere 08248.

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


Linda Bateman   
Elaine Holsomback      
Donna Diefenderfer       
Rosemarie Whelan                
Ken Weaver