Strathmere News & Happenings

SIA Newsletter 2 7 2012 - Obituary for Doris "Ruth" Welker

2012-02-08T08:16:00.000-05:00

To All Strathmere and Whale Beach Homeowners and Visitors,

Doris "Ruth" Welker, resident of Cinnaminson, N.J. and Bayview Drive, Strathmere, passed away on Sunday, February 5 at the age of 87.
George Welker writes, "...she had suffered a stroke, a few days before, that left her in a semi-comatose state and she just slept away. Up until the day of that last stroke, she was her usual alert self. She'd even had visitors that day and had laughed and chatted with them over lunch.
"She was a wonderful, loving woman and we all know she's in a better place now, where she can finally walk again and has been reunited with her husband and son among many other departed loved ones.
"Please join us on Wednesday morning for a celebration of her life at Bethany Lutheran Church (617 Morgan Ave) in Palmyra, NJ. The family will be having visitations at 9am and the service will be at 10am with a luncheon to follow at the church."

Here is the obituary:

Doris Ruth Welker (nee Grossman), 87, peacefully met her Lord and Savior on February 5, 2012. Resident of Cinnaminson and Strathmere for over 60 years. Beloved wife of the late George W. Devoted mother of Ruthellen B. Cheney (Jim), George C. (Mary), and the late Carl F. Grandmother of Garwood Jr. (Lori), Christine, Lauren (Dan), Emily (Scott), Ben, Mary Elizabeth, Ellen, and Alison. Great grandmother of Penelope and Garwood III.
Ruth loved cooking and taking care of her family and friends. She was an avid reader, and enjoyed traveling the world. She opened her heart and home to all. She was a long time member of Bethany Lutheran Church of Palmyra, NJ.
Relatives and friends are invited to attend Ruth's Life Celebration on Wednesday, February 8th from the hour of 9-10 am at Bethany Evangelical Lutheran Church, Broad Street and Morgan Ave., Palmyra, NJ. Her service will follow at 10 am. Interment at Oakland Cemetery in Philadelphia, PA. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to Bethany Evangelical Lutheran Church in Ruth's name.

More information and memory book here.

Linda Bateman
Elaine Holsomback
Donna Diefenderfer
Dorothy Addario
Ken Weaver

Schiavo Library: February 2012 Newsletter

2012-02-03T15:52:00.000-05:00

Schiavo Library: February 2012 Newsletter

Food Bank Collection:
We’ll continue collecting donations for the local food bank during the month of February. Stop in and help!

Thursday Movie Matinees:
During February we will feature romantic movies. Here’s the schedule:

Feb. 2: Romeo and Juliet
Feb. 9: Pretty Woman
Feb. 16: Ghost
Feb. 23: Sleepless in Seattle.

Showtime is 1:00-3:00pm Thursday.

Love Your Library Raffle:
This year we will again have a raffle during the month of February. All you have to do is stop in and you could win some library goodies! See you soon.

Highlighting Children’s Books:
Do you have a favorite children’s picture book? I’ve got lots of them. As an elementary school librarian, reading delightfully funny books to the students was the highlight of my day. Whether it was a classic like The Story of Ferdinand or a newer story like Don’t Let the Pigeon Drive the Bus, these stories always got a laugh from my young students! Here are a few more for the young ones:
Bark, George
Click, Clack, Moo: Cows That Type
Pete the Cat: I Love My White Shoes

A Note from the Director:
I had a great vacation in Florida. Thanks Jessica, Melissa and Marion for a job well done!

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

SIA Newsletter 2 2 2012 - Happy 100th, Strathmere!

2012-02-02T17:58:00.000-05:00

To All Strathmere and Whale Beach Homeowners and Visitors,

If you are a fan of Carol Baker's Strathmere Website http://www.strathmere.net/ , you know that Corson's Inlet was renamed Strathmere in 1912 - 100 years ago!
We're not sure of the exact circumstances, but we can piece together a good part of the puzzle.

Here is a newspaper ad from Carol's website advertising a special Pennsylvania Railroad excursion train from Philadelphia (via the Market Street ferries to Camden) to where "Corson's Inlet Meets the Combers".

It states that their $1000 prize naming contest closed on March 31, and an excursion is to take place on Sunday, April 10. April 10 fell on a Sunday in 1910.

We don't know who the lucky "namer" winner was, but we are guessing that the name Strathmere was selected in the spring or summer of 1910.
Presumably, once a name was selected, there was some red tape to go through to actually change the name. Since it was not incorporated, we're guessing they had to do three things: (1) get some consensus from the existing inhabitants, (2) get the two railroads running through town to change the names on their schedules and stations and (3) get the Postal Service to deliver mail to the new name, "Strathmere". It seems to have taken until 1912 to accomplish this, and the name was actually changed then.
George and Catharine McCullough were the first postmaster and assistant postmaster of Strathmere. He was commissioned on January 17, 1912, and apparently that's when Strathmere officially became Strathmere - 100 years and sixteen days ago (full disclosure, George and Catharine were my maternal grandparents - KW). Unfortunately, we just learned the actual date.

Here is the first post office - today it is Grace Curran and Family Real Estate:

We don't know why the contest winner picked "Strathmere". Growing up here, we were told that the name came from "Strath", which we were told had the same derivation as "strand", or beach, and mere, which of course relates to the sea or ocean. So we're the beach by the sea. Presumably "Strandmere" wasn't very catchy.
If you pursue the word origin of Strath, you'll find that the Scottish Gaelic word srath means "a wide valley" as in Srath Chluaidh (Strathclyde), and the Irish equivalent is also srath meaning "river valley, low-lying land along a river" as in Srath Bán (Strabane). Perhaps the contest winner thought that by adding "mere" it would change Strath from the land along a river to the land along the sea...

Anyway, the result of the 1910 contest was Corson's Inlet changing its name to Strathmere in 1912.
We're hoping that the people and organizations in Strathmere will choose to celebrate our 100th in multiple ways, perhaps in Fourth of July Parade themes or Nightmare in Strathmere themes...
You might also resolve to spend some time each week reading the history and seeing the pictures on the http://www.strathmere.net/ website. You'll be glad you did!
We'll have a few more newsletters on "Strathmere" at 100. Next one will be on the railroads that served Strathmere...

Thanks once again to all for your continuing support of the Strathmere Improvement Association!

Linda Bateman
Elaine Holsomback
Donna Diefenderfer
Dorothy Addario
Ken Weaver

SIA Newsletter 1 25 2012 - Upper Township Voters Reject Both School Proposals

2012-01-26T09:41:00.002-05:00

In case you missed it - Bond Proposal #1 lost, 1194 to 1032, and Bond Proposal #2 lost 1290 to 912.

See the Press of Atlantic City article here for more details (and comments)...

http://www.pressofatlanticcity.com/communities/upper_capemay/upper-township-voters-reject-million-school-repair-proposals/article_b537c7a0-470d-11e1-be75-001871e3ce6c.html

SIA Newsletter 1 20 2012 - Special School (Construction) Election on Tuesday, January 24, 3 pm to 9 pm

2012-01-20T18:00:00.001-05:00

This Tuesday, from 3:00 pm to 9:00 pm, there will be a special school election with two questions on the ballot. We hope all registered voters will take time to vote at the Firehouse.

Background: Children in Upper Township attend four public schools: Upper Township Primary School (K through 2 with pre-school); Upper township Elementary School (grades 3 to 5); Upper Township Middle School (grades 6 to 8) and Ocean City High School. The Primary and Elementary schools are almost adjacent in Marmora and the Middle School is out in Petersburg, past the Township Building.

All three Upper Township schools are in "bad shape". The school board proposed a $15.9 million dual project, funded at 40% by the State, to make substantial renovations to the Primary and Middle schools. Last April, by a 3 to 2 margin, the voters turned it down.
The school board then had a Building and Grounds Committee, with a number of residents, take another look at the proposal. Because of the State funding, they could not materially change the project but instead split it into two parts: $12.5 million for "crucial" work on the two schools, and $3.4 million for work that is less crucial or could be done over time with other resources. If the voters approve either the "crucial" work or both pieces, the State will pay 40% of the cost. That State commitment expires next month, in February.
The property tax impact for a Strathmere property assessed at $1.0 million would be an additional $263 annually for Part 1 (Bond Proposal #1) and another $71 for Bond Proposal #2. If you are "lucky" enough to have your property assessed at $500,000, the impact would be half; if you are "lucky" enough to have your property assessed at $2 million, it would double.

Note that this only provides for the Primary and Middle schools. The Elementary School, which is in even worse shape, probably needs to be replaced. The School Board had previously planned to build a new elementary school, but the election defeat last April has caused them to reconsider and they are looking at building an addition to the Primary School that would accomodate grades K through 5 in one building. While less expensive than a new building, this will still be very costly.

To summarize, here are the figures in chart form ($000 for bond proposals):

Bond Proposal     -                        # 1             2               Total

State Portion           -                    $5,014      $1,353        $6,367

Upper Twp Portion       -              $7,521       $2,030        $9,551

Total                         -                  $12,535     $3,383        $15,918

Annual Property Tax Increase   - $263           $71             $334         ($1.0 million assessment)

Elementary School Cost and Tax Impact: To Be Determined

Here are two letters to the Upper Township Gazette by folks who served on the Buildings and Grounds Committee, the first by Strathmere's own Ted Kingston and the second by a mainland resident. Both are worth reading.

Ted Kingston 12/14/2011 letter

John Mirenda 12/27/2011 letter

The "elephant" in the room" for us, of course, is that while we pay about one-sixth of the cost of the schools, we have no Strathmere children attending any Upper Township schools (or OCHS).

However you feel, please get out and vote on Tuesday!

You may not have noticed, but on December 22, for subscribers in Strathmere and Whale Beach, Comcast moved the Upper Township Public Channel from Channel 96 to Channel 2. We no longer receive the public channel that carried information for Sea Isle City, Avalon and Stone Harbor.

Thanks once again to all for your continuing support of the SIA (start saving up for your 2012 dues payments)!

Linda Bateman
Elaine Holsomback
Donna Diefenderfer
Dorothy Addario
Ken Weaver

SIA Newsletter 1 14 2012 - No Trash Collection Monday; Poaching in Corson's Inlet State Park

2012-01-14T14:16:00.000-05:00

To All Strathmere and Whale Beach Homeowners and Visitors,
Just a short reminder that due to the Martin Luther King Holiday, trash won't be collected until this Tuesday - and recycling won't be collected until Monday, January 23.See: http://www.uppertownship.com/Road_Dept/upper_township_public_works_2012_TRASH_COLLECTION.html#

And once again, Upper Township will be picking up Christmas trees at the curb during the month of January. Please use this service and do not place trees on or near the beach.

Here's a sad story on the Ocean City Patch.com website. A poacher on the Ocean City side of Corson's Inlet State Park set traps that resulted in the cruel death of several deer...
http://oceancity.patch.com/articles/csi-corson-s-on-the-trail-of-poachers-at-the-state-park

And thanks to all for your continuing support of the SIA!
Linda Bateman
Elaine Holsomback
Donna Diefenderfer
Dorothy Addario
Ken Weaver

SIA Newsletter 12 31 2011 - Happy New Year!!! Please Don't Put Your Christmas Tree On the Beach!

2012-01-01T17:11:00.000-05:00

To All Strathmere and Whale Beach Homeowners and Visitors

We wish everyone a happy, healthy and safe 2012!
Many of us will be disposing of Christmas trees following the holidays. We always thought placing our trees on the beach was a good thing, to build up the dunes. It turns out that this is not true!

Carol Ferguson, Chairperson of the Environmental Committee of the Strathmere Fishing and Environmental Club, was touring our beach two years ago with Chris Miller (US Department of Agriculture - Natural Resources Conservation Service - Cape May Plant Materials Center), concerning dune grass planting in Strathmere. Chris stated that we are no longer permitted to dump Christmas trees or yard debris on the dunes, due to the destruction of critical natural vegetation when these items are placed there. Such dumping can also preclude the creation and protection of habitat used by threatened and endangered bird species.

Here is a very disappointing example: Neptune Road on the ocean side between Williams and Seacliff. So much debris has been placed in this area (right by a sign that states $1,000 fine for dumping) that the natural vegetation has died. This area is prime for Beach Plum and Goldenrod planting, but that cannot be done until all the debris is removed.

Upper Township will be picking up Christmas trees at the curb every week during the month of January. Please use this service and do not place trees on or near the beach. Thanks!!

Remember, we will have both trash and recycling picked up on Tuesday, January 3.

Strathmere's Schiavo Library recently published their January Newsletter, and you can view it (and previous newsletters) here - http://www.strathmerelibrary.org/directors_log.htm

December has been amazingly mild, so several of us have been able to take daily outside showers right into 2012. The forecast is for cold weather Monday and even colder Tuesday and Wednesday, so it looks like our run has ended...
With the end of 2011, this is the last time you'll see the current lineup of the SIA Board shown below. Linda Bateman becomes our president, and Elaine Holsomback joins the Board as Vice-President.
We do want to pay special tribute to our outgoing president, Butch Vandegrift. Following the death of Elizaberth Bergus, the SIA was in danger of ending its long record of service to Strathmere. Butch, with great help from wife Debbie and from Donna Diefenderfer, revived the organization and we cannot thank him enough!

Thanks to all for your continuing support of the SIA!

Butch Vandegrift - President
Linda Bateman -Vice-President
Donna Diefenderfer - Treasurer
Dorothy Addario - Recording Secretary
Ken Weaver - Corresponding Secretary

Schiavo Library: January 2012 Newsletter

2011-12-28T15:13:00.001-05:00

Schiavo Library: January 2012 Newsletter

Food Bank Collection:
The library will again be a collection point for donations to our area food banks. If you have any non-perishables that you would like to donate, please stop in. Peanut butter is a favorite at the food banks because it can be used by everyone.

Expanding Collections:
We will be adding new shelving this winter to accommodate our expanding collection. We want to thank everyone for the generous donations of books, DVDs and audio books. Isn’t it wonderful to see a library grow?

Thursday Movie Matinees:
All winter we will continue to offer movies on Thursday afternoons. Showtime is 1:00-3:00pm.

A new library in the Neighborhood:
The new branch library has opened in Sea Isle City. It’s a beautiful building in a beautiful setting. We wish them great success in their new location.

A Note from the Director:
I will be on vacation for the month of January. The library will be open with regular hours and ably run by my assistants, Jessica and Melissa and our volunteer , Marion. Remember: if you’re looking for a specific book, call or email the library. We’ll be glad to check the catalog for you.

Our New Display – Pressed Glass:

Our New Sweaters– Thanks, Bruce!

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

SIA Newsletter 12 24 2011 - Merry Christmas!

2011-12-24T18:26:00.000-05:00

To All Strathmere and Whale Beach Homeowners and Visitors,

This newsletter reminds us of the movie "Groundhog Day"...
We're writing (again) about replacing the bridge railings, beach replenishment, trash pickup, replacing the bridge railings, beach replenishment, etc., etc......

The work on the bridge continues to progress, although after almost three months of work, you have to wonder if they'll complete it in the five months left until Memorial Day.

It does look nice, though (comparing the old and the new)...

As mentioned in our last newsletter, the dredge has arrived and has now begun our beach replenishment. Here's the view from ground level...

and here are bird's-eye views, compliments of Ted Kingston:

Since both Christmas and New Year's Day fall on Sunday, the Township has a holiday on each of those Mondays. Normally we would only have trash collection on those Tuesdays, but in response to our inquiry about going three weeks without a recycling pickup, they agreed to send a recycling truck over later in the day on each of those Tuesdays.

Consequently, we will have both trash and recycling picked up on Tuesday, December 27 and Tuesday, January 3.

We continue to have (relatively) mild nights, so we "Strathmorons" are still taking daily outside showers. Although tonight (Christmas Eve) is forecast to go below freezing, it won't be enough to freeze pipes, so it looks like we can continue to shower outside right up to the end of 2011. Lucky us!

To everyone, we wish you a Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays!
Thanks to all for your continuing support of the SIA!

Merry Christmas from the Strathmere website!

2011-12-22T11:26:00.000-05:00

Strathmere Christmas Party

2011-12-14T13:28:00.000-05:00

To All Strathmere and Whale Beach Homeowners and Visitors,

Hopefully you made it to the Strathmere Community Christmas Party last Saturday, sponsored by the SIA and our Volunteer Fire Company.
It was a great party, with great food and fun. Here are pictures for your enjoyment (sorry if we missed you):

In addition to Santa, and Santa's elves, Donna and Lyn, above, our thanks to Ed Tettemer and Louise Andress (and anyone we missed).

A special thanks also to the members of the Fire Company for decorating and setting up for the party!

And the next day (Sunday), the dredge arrived!

Thanks to all for your continuing support of the SIA!

Butch Vandegrift - President
Linda Bateman -Vice-President
Donna Diefenderfer - Treasurer
Dorothy Addario - Recording Secretary
Ken Weaver - Corresponding Secretary

Schiavo Library: December 2011 Newsletter

2011-12-02T16:36:00.001-05:00

Holiday Hours:
The library will be closed on December 23 and 24, and December 30 and 31. We will be open December 27, 28 and 29th.

Holiday Media:
Need a movie to watch or a CD to get you in the mood for the holidays? We’ve got a great selection of Christmas tapes and DVDs. You’ll find classics like It’s a Wonderful Life and Miracle on 34th Street or newer favorites such as Prancer or The Muppet Christmas Carol. And of course we have loads of Christmas books by popular authors such as Mary Higgins Clark and Debbie Macomber. Come in and check out our special holiday offerings.

Legos:
The Legos are back – just in time for the holidays! Bring in your child and let them create! It’s always fun to see imaginations at work!

Thursday Movie Matinees:
All winter we will continue to offer movies on Thursday afternoons. December will feature holiday films such as Elf. Showtime is 1:00-3:00pm – join us!

Quiet Season Raffle:
Well, it wasn’t totally a “quiet season” in November. We had 90 patrons visit the library and quite a few entries for our raffle. The winner is – Meg Geisser. Her prize is a $25 WAWA gift card. Congratulations, Meg!

New Display:
For the winter, our display case will feature my collection of “Pressed Glass.” I’m very happy to share my collection and had a great time doing the research for the display. I hope you enjoy it!

Audio books:
This year we are going to try to expand our selection of audio books on CD. If you have any that you would like to donate, give us a call or stop in.

Happy Holidays!

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

SIA Newsletter 12/1/2011 - Santa Needs Your Help for the Christmas Party!

2011-12-01T09:35:00.000-05:00

In this issue: Christmas Party; Food Drive for the Needy; Work Progressing on Bridge; Dredge Still on the Way.

The Strathmere Community Christmas Party, sponsored by the SIA and our Volunteer Fire Company, will be held at 6 pm on Saturday, December 10.

So Santa can complete his list for the party, please let us know the name and age of any child (ten or under) who will be attending, so we can help him with that list!

Santa and his helpers need to get that information from you as soon as possible. Please let us know by replying to this newsletter, emailing Donna Diefenderfer at donnad921@comcast.net calling Donna at 215-801-5876 (cell) or 609-263-3620 (home); or dropping her a note at PO Box 57 Strathmere, NJ 08248.
Thanks for your help - and we'll see you all on December 10!

As you know, the Holiday Season this year will again be very tough for many who have been adversely affected by the economy.

The Strathmere Fishing and Environmental Club is having a food drive this Saturday, with donations going to the Community Food Pantry at the Church of the Resurrection in Marmora. If you can donate, please bring non-perishable food items or make a cash donation (make checks out to COTR - Food Pantry) to the firehouse on December 3 around 4pm. Here is an article on the SFEC website with shopping suggestions and an opinion piece from the Press indicating that writing a check may actually be better than donating food...
While you're at the website check out what big "stripers" look like (Riordans and Last Cast articles) and some great sunrise pictures by Greg Bennett.

Work on the bridge railings continues to progress. Here workers have removed the railings on the Ocean City side of the toll booth and prepare for the new posts...

Here are some of the new posts, and a comparison of old and new at this stage.

The dredge for our beach replenishment has been delayed, but work has progressed on getting the pipes set up.
The dredge is now passing Cape Hateras and is expected to arrive the week of December 5 and begin pumping sand the week of December 12...
Timing will continue to be weather-dependent...

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For those of us who are "year-rounders", one of our fun things is to see who can be the last to take daily outdoor showers. Since we still haven't had any hard freezes, the 2011 competition continues!

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Don't forget our big Christmas sale on Strathmere portable coolers. We're offering them at $25 each or $22.50 a piece for two or more.

Great gifts - no wrapping required! Just reply to this newsletter and we'll hold them for you.

Thanks to all for your continuing support! If you never got around to paying your 2011 dues, there is still time to send a check ($10 per adult family member) to SIA at PO Box 57, Strathmere 08248. It's not deductible, but it will be a big help with our projects like the Christmas party and the Fourth of July parade. We don't dun you individually - we just hope you enjoy our work and our newsletters and think $10 is a bargain!.

Thanks to all for your continuing support!
Butch Vandegrift - President
Linda Bateman -Vice-President
Donna Diefenderfer - Treasurer
Dorothy Addario - Recording Secretary
Ken Weaver - Corresponding Secretary

SIA Newsletter 11 18 11 - Obituary for Terry Henes

2011-11-18T11:18:00.000-05:00

To All Strathmere and Whale Beach Homeowners and Visitors,
Terry Henes, year-round resident of Vincent Road, passed away on Monday, November 14.
The funeral is at noon tomorrow, Saturday, at the Godfrey Funeral Home in Palermo. Friends may call from 10:00 am until noon.
His obituary (here in today's Press of Atlantic City) is copied below.

TERRENCE PATRICK "TERRY" HENES, 53 - of Strathmere, passed away on Monday, November 14, 2011 at Atlanticare Regional Medical Center in Atlantic City.

Born in and formerly of Philadelphia, PA, he was a Strathmere resident since 1998. Mr. Henes worked as a Self Employed Salesman for 15 years and was a member of V.F.W. Memorial post #1963, Sea Isle City.
Surviving are his wife, Cindi Henes (nee Reola) of Strathmere, two brothers, James and Robert Henes both of Philadelphia, PA and his beloved dog, Ace along with a large extended loving family. He was the beloved son of the late James and Catherine (nee Convery) Henes, and beloved brother of the late Francis Henes.

His Funeral Service will be offered Saturday at 12 o'clock noon from The Godfrey Funeral Home of Palermo, 644 South Shore Road, Palermo, NJ where friends may call from 10 o'clock until the time of service. Burial will be private. To email condolences, visit http://www.godfreyfuneralhome.com/ (609-390-9699)

SIA Newsletter 11 15 11 - Santa Needs Info on Kids Coming to the Christmas Party; The Dredge Is Coming This Week!

2011-11-16T09:25:00.000-05:00

To All Strathmere and Whale Beach Homeowners and Visitors,

Christmas Party: In our last newsletter, we told you the date (December 10) of the Strathmere Community Christmas Party and warned you that we would be asking for the names and ages of children ten and under who will be attending.
Since it's only a little more than three weeks away, it turns out that Santa and his helpers need to get that information from you as soon as possible. Please let us know by replying to this newsletter, emailing Donna Diefenderfer at donnad921@comcast.net calling Donna at 215-801-5876 (cell) or 609-263-3620 (home); or dropping her a note at PO Box 57 Strathmere, NJ 08248.

An article in this morning's Press of Atlantic City indicates that the dredge to do our beach fill should get here from Texas by the end of this week. Read the article here.

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Newsletter 11 10 11 - High Tides, Halloween, Christmas Party and Strathmere Coolers

2011-11-11T08:18:00.000-05:00

To All Strathmere and Whale Beach Homeowners and Visitors,

In our last newsletter, we warned you of high tides projected for the last week of October. Luckily, we had southwest winds for almost the whole period and no problems with flooding. On the Friday night before Halloween, however, the wind switched to the northeast all night (many of you had snow at home and lost power) and here's what we had on Bayview Saturday morning (a little fuzzy where rain hit the lens):

After the storm passed up the coast Saturday, the wind came off the land and we had no more flood tides.

Although today (Thursday) is a full moon, particularly high tides are not predicted. However, we'll have a new moon on the day after Thanksgiving, and tides in excess of 5 feet are predicted from Wednesday, 11/23 through Sunday, 11/27. Hopefully, we won't have northeast winds (that) here.

Halloween came the Monday after the pictures above, and we had seven "trick or treaters" in Strathmere.

Pictured are John and Matt Pond, Brian and C.J. Furey, and Casey, Joey and Taylor Coffey.

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The Strathmere Community Christmas Party, sponsored jointly by the SIA and the Strathmere Volunteer Fire Company, will be held at 6:00 pm on Saturday, December 10 at the firehouse. We'll be asking for the names and ages of children attending so Santa can plan appropriately...

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Speaking of Christmas, we still have a dozen or so of the Strathmere Portable Coolers left that will make wonderful Christmas gifts. The cooler can hold 32 cans (if you can lift that many), is heat sealed and comes with an attached bottle opener and a removable floor board. You can put it under the tree with gifts inside!

Originally $30 apiece, we are putting them on sale for $25 or $22.50 for two or more (so buy two and save $15). See the attached flyer for more information. They'll go fast! Simply "reply" to this newsletter to buy and we'll hold them for you..

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Veterans' Day is tomorrow, November 11. Take time to thank a veteran!

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Upcoming Events:
Strathmere Community Christmas Party, Saturday, December 10, 6 pm

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The Strathmere Improvement Association includes all owners and many visitors to Strathmere and Whale Beach. It was founded over 50 years ago as a community organization with the objective of making Strathmere a better place. We are proud of the organization's many accomplishments over the years.

Thanks to all for your continuing support!
Butch Vandegrift - President
Linda Bateman -Vice-President
Donna Diefenderfer - Treasurer
Dorothy Addario - Recording Secretary
Ken Weaver - Corresponding Secretary

Schiavo Library: November 2011 Newsletter

2011-11-04T12:04:00.000-05:00

Schiavo Library: November 2011 Newsletter

Quiet Season Cafe
As a perk for our winter patrons, we are going to have coffee and tea available at our “Quiet Season Café”. Stop in and enjoy a cup as you browse through our daily newspapers, monthly magazines or growing collection of books.

Thursday Movie Matinees:
Again this year, we will offer movies on Thursday afternoons. November will feature the British TV series, Brideshead Revisited, which is based on the Evelyn Waugh novel. Showtime is 1:00-3:00pm – join us!

Quiet Season Raffle:
To celebrate this special time of year, we are having a raffle. Any member who visits the library during the month of November will be automatically entered in a drawing to win a Wawa gift card. Do you feel lucky?

COIL Meeting:
COIL had their October meeting here in the Schiavo Library. COIL is a small group of library directors from area independent libraries. It was the first time any had been to our library and they loved it. They can’t wait to come back next year during the warmer weather.

Fishermen:
A magazine just for you is now available at the Schiavo Library - On the Water: The Angler’s Guide. The September issue features an article on surf fishing and minnow plugs, Jersey Shore Albacore, and lots of other articles of interest to local fishermen.

Note from the Director:
Area book clubs are gearing up for a great year of reading. Remember that our small library may have the book that you’re looking for. Just call us and we can reserve it for you.

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

SIA Newsletter 10/21/11 - High Tides Next Week; SFEC Environmental Weekend Pictures

2011-10-21T08:22:00.000-05:00

To All Strathmere and Whale Beach Homeowners and Visitors,
This is a "heads-up" to those of you with property on Bayview Drive or anywhere else in town subject to tidal flooding. The moon and sun will align next week to give us very high morning tides, so please take precautions accordingly.

Mon 10/24 6:08 am 4.7 ft
Tue 10/25 6:58 am 5.0 ft
Wed 10/26 7:48 am 5.4 ft
Thur 10/27 8:37 am 5.5 ft
Fri 10/28 9:28 am 5.5 ft
Sat 10/29 10:19 am 5.4 ft
Sun 10/30 11:13 am 5.1 ft
Mon 10/31 12:10 pm 4.8 ft

When we get a 5.0 foot tide, we have pretty high water in some parts of Bayview. With another five or six inches, we'll have a lot of water - and this is without any wind effects! If we should have a northeast wind for one or more of these days, it could get scary. Be prepared!

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The Strathmere Fishing & Environmental Club (SFEC) designates October as their Environmental Month, and they hold special programs to provide education on and help for the environment. On Saturday, October 8, they sponsored a dune grass planting event in the morning and a presentation on ospreys in the afternoon. Both were very well attended, including many SIA members.
Here's a picture of folks having fun (really!) planting some 2500 dune grass seedlings:

Many more pictures of the dune grass planting are available on the SFEC website - http://www.strathmerefishing.org/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=166:dune2011&catid=3:meetings

That afternoon, Ben Wurtz of the Conserve Wildlife Foundation of NJ gave a fascinating presentation at the Firehouse on "The Osprey Project"

Again, many more pictures of the presentation may be found on the SFEC website here - http://www.strathmerefishing.org/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=167:osprey&catid=3:meetings

Our thanks to the SFEC for these outstanding events, and especially to Carol Ferguson and Dick Omrod, who took care of organizing them!

Remember that almost all of our previous Newsletters can be seen here: SIA Newsletters. Make it one of your "favorites" or "tabs"...

Upcoming Events:
*Tuesday, November 8 is Election Day. Please put it on your calendar and VOTE!
*Strathmere Community Christmas Party, probably Saturday, December 10 - date to be announced

Our sincere thanks to everyone who has made their dues payment. Remember, it's just $10 per adult family member, and you can send it to SIA at PO Box 57 in Strathmere.
The Strathmere Improvement Association includes all owners and many visitors to Strathmere and Whale Beach. It was founded over 50 years ago as a community organization with the objective of making Strathmere a better place. We are proud of the organization's many accomplishments over the years.

Thanks to all for your continuing support

Butch Vandegrift - President
Linda Bateman -Vice-President
Donna Diefenderfer - Treasurer
Dorothy Addario - Recording Secretary
Ken Weaver - Corresponding Secretary

Schiavo Library: October 2011Newsletter

2011-10-05T17:08:00.001-05:00

Schiavo Library: October 2011Newsletter

So…. How did the summer go?
We had a great summer. Library use was up – we had 1688 patrons as compared to 1369 last year and we even had to close the library for 2 days during Hurricane Irene. Computer use was up and our programs were a hit, especially The Wetlands Program, Megan’s Craft Night, our new LEGO Club for kids and our summer children’s reading program.

September Used Book Sale:
Our fall book sale was again a success. We made $465.25 and had an additional 235 people visit the library to shop at the book sale. It’s amazing how many people are still around in September. Thanks to everyone for their wonderful donations. We use or recycle everything. The few books left over from the sale will go to the local prison (paperbacks only), local thrift shops & other book collecting organizations.

Online Catalogue:
We are having difficulty setting up online access to our catalogue. So if you would like to know if we have a specific book, please call the library (609) 486-6265 or email us at info@strathmerelibrary.org We promise to promptly look it up for you. We do have many of the books that are currently being discussed in book groups.

Our Summer Favorites:
These were checked out most often this summer:

Nonfiction: Unbroken and Our Perfect Storm.
Fiction: Caleb’s Crossing, Room and Major Pettigrew’s Last Stand.
Children’s: See Inside Pirate Ships and Diary of a Wimpy Kid
Young Adult: Soul Surfer
DVD: The King’s Speech and Great New Jersey Coastal Storms

Note from the Director:
Some people call it the “off” season or the “shoulder” season. Here it’s the “quiet” season and it lasts all winter. So, please take a drive to the shore, stop in and say hello.

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

SIA Newsletter 10\3\11 (2) - Environmental Weekend - But Delayed Trash and Recycling

2011-10-04T17:11:00.000-05:00

To All Strathmere and Whale Beach Homeowners and Visitors,

The Strathmere Fishing & Environmental Club is extending an invitation to all Strathmere residents and visitors to participate in:

The planting of 2500 dune grass seedlings on Saturday, October 8. Meet at 11:00 AM at Sherman Road & the beach.
In past years, SIA members have sometimes outnumbered SFEC members in participation, for which the SFEC is extremely grateful (some of us, of course, are members of both).

The SFEC Environmental Committee had considered planting dune grass in Whale Beach this year, but the upcoming beach replenishment project (which could start in late November but is more likely to start in December) is expected to go all the way up to the dunes in Whale Beach, so Sherman Road was chosen as a more practical alternative.

And to attend:
A presentation by Ben Wurst on "The Osprey"
Also Saturday, October 8th, 4:00 PM at the firehouse - Open to All
Ben started his career in 2004 where he found a passion for working with ospreys at the NJ Division of Fish and Wildlife’s Endangered and Nongame Species Program. For the past seven years, during the summer, he has surveyed hundreds of nests, banded many young, and installed over 100 nest platforms. In this presentation he will discuss the history of the project, life history of the osprey, recovery efforts, and current monitoring methods. Both children and adults will find it very interesting. There will be snacks and refreshments following the presentation.

Here are pix from last year of the dune grass planting and the Firehouse presentation. Come on out!

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***We're not sure we can do any good with this, because our target audience likely does not read our newsletters, but....
In mid-September, a cyclist took a young girl's pink bicycle from the side of a home in the 700 block of Commonwealth Avenue, and left an inferior man's bike with a flat tire.
We're hoping that the owner of the bike with the flat tire only needed temporary transportation and will now kindly return the pink one. The distraught young girl would be extremely grateful.
If you have any information regarding this incident, kindly reply to this message and we'll do what we can to reunite girl and bicycle. sia6@comcast.net

*********

***Monday, October 10 is celebrated by some as Columbus Day, and as a non-summer Holiday Monday in Strathmere, that means there will be no trash or recycling pickups. Trash will be picked up on Tuesday, October 11, but you will have to hold recycling until Monday, October 17.

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***Remember that almost all of our previous Newsletters can be seen here: SIA Newsletters. Make it one of your "favorites" or "tabs"...

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Upcoming Events:

***Dune Grass Planting, Saturday, October 8, 11:00 am at Sherman Road and the beach

***SFEC Environmental Presentation, "The Osprey", Saturday, October 8, 4:00 pm (open to all at the Firehouse)

***No trash or recycling pickups Monday, October 10; trash will be October 11; recycling October 17

***Strathmere Community Christmas Party, probably December 10 - date to be announced

*********

Did you make your 2011 SIA dues payment yet? Our sincere thanks to everyone who has. Remember, it's just $10 per adult family member, and you can send it to SIA at PO Box 57 in Strathmere.

The Strathmere Improvement Association includes all owners and many visitors to Strathmere and Whale Beach. It was founded over 50 years ago as a community organization with the objective of making Strathmere a better place. We are proud of the organization's many accomplishments over the years.

Thanks to all for your continuing support!

Butch Vandegrift - President
Linda Bateman -Vice-President
Donna Diefenderfer - Treasurer
Dorothy Addario - Recording Secretary
Ken Weaver - Corresponding Secretary

SIA Newsletter 10\3\11 - Obituary for Eileen Bamford

2011-10-03T12:37:00.002-05:00

To All Strathmere and Whale Beach Homeowners and Visitors,

Eileen Bamford, Ted's wife, passed away Friday morning.

Many people in Strathmere and Whale Beach knew Eileen for her contributions of delicious pineapple upside-down cakes for many occasions such as our Christmas parties or when someone was recovering from an illness. She will be sadly and especially missed by the Strathmere Volunteer Fire Company, where she was a consistent supporter and also contributed to Super Bowl gatherings, spaghetti dinners, and various elections.

The funeral is Wednesday morning, and her obituary ( here in today's Press of Atlantic City) is copied below. The family has requested donations in her name to the Strathmere Volunteer Fire Company.

EILEEN T. BAMFORD
BAMFORD, EILEEN T. 90 - of Strathmere, formerly of East Falls, PA, passed away peacefully at home on September 30, 2011. She is survived by her husband of 61 years Ted, children Ted (Diane) and Dawn (Tony) Valeo, grandchildren Robert (Christie), Jennifer (Rob) Mason, Ted (Amy) and Caitlin, Courtney and Emily Valeo and seven great grandchildren. Friends may call on Wednesday after 9:30am in St. Joseph's Church, 44th and Landis Ave, Sea Isle City, NJ 08243. Funeral mass will be at 11am. Interment Cape May County Veteran's Cemetery.

Contributions may be made to the
Strathmere Volunteer Fire Co. Memorial Fund
5 S. Commonwealth Ave.
Strathmere, NJ 08248.

Memories may be shared here.

SIA Newsletter 9 22 11 - Nightmare & Surf Tourney Pictures; SIA September Meeting; Book Sale Date Extended

2011-09-22T12:58:00.000-05:00

To All Strathmere and Whale Beach Homeowners and Visitors,

You may be interested in seeing pictures of the Nightmare in Strathmere and Kids' Surf Fishing Tournament events, both of which are now posted on the Strathmere Fishing and Environmental Club (SFEC) website - http://www.strathmerefishing.org/

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At our September SIA Meeting, we discussed issues such as communications during an emergency like Irene, how we might improve attendance at meetings and starting a welcoming committee for new owners in Strathmere. We also reviewed thank-you notes from the children who received savings bonds in August. Their notes are included at the end of the meeting minutes, which are attached (we'll distribute them again prior to our first 2012 meeting next June). Following the meeting we reviewed some fascinating old pictures of Strathmere...

Remember that all of our previous Newsletters can be seen on the Strathmere Blog, at: http://strathmere.blogspot.com/search/label/Strathmere%20Improvement%20Association Make it one of your "favorites" or "tabs"...

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Schiavo Library Used Book Sale Extended to October 1
The Schiavo Library is holding its third annual end of summer book sale. The dates were to be September 9 - 23, but the sale has been extended until Saturday, October 1. The library is open Tuesday through Saturday 10:00 - 4:00pm and located at 801 Commonwealth Avenue in Strathmere. There are lots of books for everyone – including novels, nonfiction, paperbacks and children’s books. Some VHS tapes and DVDs are also for sale. All books and media are very reasonably priced ($.25 to $1.00). Everyone (members and non-members) is welcome to stop in and shop! For more information call the library at (609) 486-6265 or email info@strathmerelibrary.org

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Upcoming Events:

*Schiavo Library Book Sale, now until October 1

*Last 2011 Services at the Strathmere United Methodist Church this Sunday, September 25: 9:15 Hymn Sing; 9:30 Service

*Last day of Flounder Season, this Sunday, September 25

*Dune Grass Planting, Saturday, October 8, 11:00 am (more info to come)

*SFEC Environmental Presentation, Saturday, October 8, 4:00 pm (open to all at the Firehouse)

*Strathmere Community Christmas Party, probably December 10 - date to be announced

Did you make your 2011 SIA dues payment yet? Our sincere thanks to everyone who has. Remember, it's just $10 per adult family member, and you can send it to SIA at PO Box 57 in Strathmere.

The Strathmere Improvement Association includes all owners and many visitors to Strathmere and Whale Beach. It was founded over 50 years ago as a community organization with the objective of making Strathmere a better place. We are proud of the organization's many accomplishments over the years. The dues and fund raisers provide for, among other things, funding the Fourth of July Parade, and our share (with the Fire Company) of the Christmas Party. If you have adult children or relatives (or visitors) who visit Strathmere, please forward this message to them - perhaps they'd like to be members and receive these e-mail newsletters directly also.
You can contact us by responding to this e-mail sia6@comcast.net or by mailing SIA at PO Box 57 in Strathmere.
Thanks to all for your continuing support!

The Strathmere Improvement Association -
Butch Vandegrift - President
Linda Bateman -Vice-President
Donna Diefenderfer - Treasurer
Dorothy Addario - Recording Secretary
Ken Weaver - Corresponding Secretary

Story from The Press about repairs being made to our bridge and others in Cape May County

2011-09-14T08:04:00.000-05:00

Cape May County bridge projects will improve vital links at the shore

Some of the photos from the story -

Posted: Wednesday, September 14, 2011 12:00 am

Cape May County bridge projects will improve vital links at the shore By MICHAEL MILLER Staff Writer
UPPER TOWNSHIP — At least seven bridges in Cape May County will undergo repairs, demolition or new construction next year, underscoring the importance these spans have in daily life here.

The Corsons Inlet Bridge reopened late Monday after workers set up concrete barriers and traffic lights to regulate one-way travel on the span through Memorial Day. Workers will spend the winter replacing the bridge’s dilapidated railings, damaged Feb. 1 when a sport utility vehicle crashed through them and plunged into the bay, with sturdier ones in a $2.3 million project.

Two Sea Isle City teenagers were injured in the crash.
Residents of Cape May County’s four barrier islands normally come and go freely from the beach to the mainland via a network of causeways and bridges, but Hurricane Irene was a reminder to Charlie and Janet Nesbitt, of Bloomsburg, Pa., that they spend half the year on a vulnerable barrier island.

“It does reinforce it,” Charlie Nesbitt said. “You take it for granted sometimes.” The couple took down their sunroom Tuesday at the seasonal Ocean Beach Trailer Resort in the Strathmere section of Upper Township.

The biggest of all the construction projects in Cape May County is the new $400 million Route 52 causeway, which is slated for completion by Memorial Day 2012.
Meanwhile, the $3.3 million widening work is continuing on the Avalon Canal Bridge at the entrance to Avalon on 30th Street.
And four of the Ocean Drive bridges owned by the Cape May County Bridge Commission will undergo work ranging from new boat fenders to structural repairs. The work includes:

* $2.3 million this fall through spring to replace railings on both sides of the Corsons Inlet Bridge
* $2.8 million in the spring to repair the bascule bridge at Townsends Inlet
* $250,000 in the spring to repair the substructure to the Grassy Sound and Corsons Inlet spans
* $500,000 to repair boat fenders this fall on the Middle Thorofare Bridge in Lower Township

Cape May County also plans to demolish part of the Beesleys Point Bridge this fall.

“The good news is the work is being done when there are such budget constraints and funding is not often readily available,” Upper Township Mayor Richard Palombo said.

He and other township officials had lobbied to save the Beesleys Point Bridge, but plans to repair it were scrapped last year when cost estimates increased by more than 60 percent.

The county bonded $1.2 million to demolish the drawbridge portion of the bridge this year.

Palombo said he wants the county to spare a section of the bridge as a new pedestrian attraction with benches, lights and maybe even concessions.
“People like to stroll out there and take advantage of the bay view,” he said. “The area would be nice for recreation if we can make it a fishing pier.”
Palombo said this span might need some modest work to ensure the safety of pedestrians. But since it would not have to bear the weight or wear of vehicles, it should be relatively inexpensive, he said.
A fishing pier could be the keystone of the point’s other attractions, which include a boat ramp, public beach, bayfront restaurant, and private Jet Ski rental, the mayor said.
“I was hoping the county would take the initiative through open-space money,” he said. “I think it would be a real sad thing if they decided to take the bridge down without utilizing it.”

County Administrator Stephen O’Connor said he would talk to Upper Township about the idea but was doubtful that repairing the bridge for pedestrian use would feasible.
“I don’t think it’s likely. We’re lobbying for that bridge to be demolished as part of the new Garden State Parkway bridge construction,” he said. “It would cost too much to make it safe for pedestrians.”

Meanwhile, residents of Strathmere are adjusting to the alternating one-way traffic on the Corsons Inlet Bridge. Workers installed new lights to regulate traffic during the six-month construction project.

“It’s a lot of grief, but it’s a job that needs to be done,” said Lynda Brown, owner of the Deauville Inn, which overlooks the bridge.
Keeping the Corsons Inlet Bridge open this fall is especially important, she said. The restaurant normally closes on slow weeknights, but this year it is expecting large crowds of fans for Major League Baseball's playoffs.

Contact Michael Miller:
609-463-6712
MMiller@pressofac.com

Schiavo Library: September 2011Newsletter

2011-09-07T16:12:00.000-05:00

Schiavo Library: September 2011 Newsletter

September Used Book Sale:
September means it’s time for our third annual end of summer used book sale. The dates are September 9 – 23. Thanks to everyone who donates books, etc. all year long. You make our library great and our book sale possible. Stop in and find some super buys!

September – Amnesty Month:
September also means “Amnesty Month.”
All overdue fines will be waived. Please return your books and DVDs now – no overdue charges all month.

Our Summer Programs:
Our programs this summer were excellent and very well attended. Here are some photos:

Note from the Director:

I’ve recently joined a group of local librarians. We meet once a month and discuss various issues that affect small or independent libraries. I learn something at each meeting. As the group is anxious to see our library, we will be meeting here in October. Hopefully, it will be a beautiful fall day and no nor’easters in sight!

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

SIA Newsletter 9 7 2011 - Bridge Will Be Closed Monday; Lane Restrictions Until Memorial Day - No Tolls

2011-09-07T13:23:00.000-05:00

Corson’s Inlet Bridge to Close Monday - Lane Restrictions Until Memorial Day 2012

Cape May County will close the Corson’s Inlet Toll Bridge from 7:00 am to 7:00 pm on Monday, September 12 in order to install concrete barriers and portable traffic signals. When the bridge reopens, traffic will be controlled by the portable traffic signals, which will control the one open lane on the bridge.

These lane closures will continue until Memorial Day Weekend 2012. The lane closures are necessary to replace the deteriorated bridge railing.

No tolls will be collected during this time.

Thanks for your continuing support of the Strathmere Improvement Association!

SIA Newsletter 9/6/11 - SIA Meeting This Friday Evening

2011-09-07T08:43:00.000-05:00

To All Strathmere and Whale Beach Homeowners and Visitors,

This Friday night, the SIA will hold its September (and final 2011) meeting at 8:00 pm. We will again have a Memorabilia Night, which proved so popular last year. Please bring scrapbooks, souvenirs or postcards from "Old Strathmere". An invitation to the meeting is attached.

At our August Meeting, we elected new officers and awarded savings bonds to our Strathmere students. Here are four of the students:
Chris ("CJ") Furey, John Pond, Matt Pond and Brian Furey. All attend Bishop McHugh School.

Also receiving an award, for the 12th consecutive year, was Nick Roash, who graduated from Ocean City High School this June. He was unable to attend because of a Beach Patrol commitment.

Nick is now attending Florida Atlantic University.

August was also our "Jersey Fresh" meeting. Goodies made from New Jersey products were prepared by:

Liunda Bateman, Elaine Holsombach, Diddy Addario, Wendy Dougherty, Debbie Vandegrift and Christine Furey (not pictured). They were great!

Schiavo Library Used Book Sale September 9 - 23

The Schiavo Library will be holding its third annual end of summer book sale. The dates are September 9 - 23, 2011. The library is open Tuesday through Saturday 10:00 - 4:00pm and located at 801 Commonwealth Avenue in Strathmere. There will be lots of books for everyone – including novels, nonfiction, paperbacks and children’s books. Some VHS tapes and DVDs will also be sold. All books and media are very reasonably priced ($.25 to $1.00). Everyone is welcome to stop in and shop! For more information call the library at (609) 486-6265 or email info@strathmerelibrary.org

Upcoming Events:

*SIA Meeting Friday, September 9, 8:00 pm
*Schiavo Library Book Sale, September 9 to 23
*Last day of Flounder Season, Sunday, September 25
*SFEC Environmental Presentation, Saturday, October 8, 4:00 pm (open to all)
*Services at the Strathmere United Methodist Church every Sunday to September 25: 9:15 Hymn Sing; 9:30 Service.

Did you make your 2011 SIA dues payment yet? Our thanks to everyone who has. Remember, it's just $10 per adult family member, and you can send it to SIA at PO Box 57 in Strathmere.

The Strathmere Improvement Association includes all owners and many visitors to Strathmere and Whale Beach. It was founded over 50 years ago as a community organization with the objective of making Strathmere a better place. We are proud of the organization's many accomplishments over the years. The dues and fund raisers provide for, among other things, funding the Fourth of July Parade, and our share of the Christmas Party. If you have adult children or relatives (or visitors) who visit Strathmere, please forward this message to them - perhaps they'd like to be members and receive these e-mail messages also.

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

Thanks to all for your continuing support!

The Strathmere Improvement Association -
Butch Vandegrift - President
Linda Bateman -Vice-President
Donna Diefenderfer - Treasurer
Dorothy Addario - Recording Secretary
Ken Weaver - Corresponding Secretary

SIA Newsletter 8/31/11 (3) - Nightmare in Strathmere This Saturday!

2011-08-31T15:33:00.000-05:00

To all Strathmere and Whale Beach Homeowners and Visitors,

Nightmare in Strathmere, postponed because of Irene, will be held this Saturday night, September 3. Nightmare is always one of the biggest events of the Strathmere Summer.

The origins are somewhat lost in the mists of time, but in the early 1980's, a group from the Fishing Club were sitting around a watering spot discussing summers in Strathmere, and one suggested holding a boat parade. Another said, "Well, that would be a real nightmare", and so a legend was born. The name has nothing to do with the boat parade held by our neighbors to the north.

Times have changed but Nightmare is still just as much fun. It is not limited to boaters or houses on the bay - houses off the bay are urged to decorate and compete for a prize in their category!

So whether it's your boat, your dock or your home, you, too can come up with a decorating scheme and have a barrel of fun doing it!

There is no cost to enter, and everyone who does will receive a commemorative mug. Register and join the fun!
Nightmare is (still) run by the Strathmere Fishing and Environmental Club (SFEC), and by selling tee shirts and raffle tickets, it has become their biggest fundraiser of the year.

Here is the Nightmare Schedule:
*All week - Raffle Tickets available at Frank's Boats ($10 for ten tickets - prizes: 1st: $1000; 2nd: $300; 3rd: $200)
*Friday: Tee shirts (check out the missing bridge railing) for sale at Hollingers' - Bayview at Putnam...
*Friday, 7:00 pm until 9:00 pm - Registration at former Corson's Marina - Bayview at Putnam
*Saturday, Noon until 5:00 (or so) - Tee shirts and Raffle Tickets for sale at tent in front of Twisties (turn in your raffle stubs)
*Saturday, 6:00 pm: Boats assemble in bay opposite boat ramp.
*Saturday, 6:30 pm - Boat Parade begins opposite Boat Ramp and continues under bridge (two cycles)
*Saturday, 9:00 pm - Deauville Beach Bar - Award presentations and Raffle Drawings

Even if you don't enter, come to a street end, the playground, Twisties, the Deauville or a friend's house on the bay and watch the parade!

Join us!!!

The Strathmere Improvement Association

SIA Newsletter 8 31 2011 (1) - Kids' Surf Tournament Saturday Morning!

2011-08-31T14:07:00.001-05:00

To All Strathmere and Whale Beach Homeowners and Visitors,

The SFEC will be holding both the Kids' Surf tournament Saturday Morning and the Nightmare in Strathmere Boat Parade Saturday evening. This newsletter focuses on the tournament.

This time last year, Tropical Storm "Earl" forced the postponement of the tournament from Saturday to Sunday of Labor Day Weekend. With Irene in our rear view mirror (unless you're somewhere affected by the terrible stream and river flooding), this year we're back to Saturday.

Kids' Surf Fishing Tournament - On Saturday morning, September 3, the SFEC will sponsor this tournament for all children 17 and under. Have your children or grandchildren bring their rod, reel and tackle (pyramid weights only, please) to the Prescott Street Beach (free parking at Mildred's). Registration begins at 7:30 am; fishing from 9:00 am to 11:00 am. All registered children will receive bait, tee shirt (while supplies last), hot dog and soda or water, and there will be numerous prizes. Please note that an adult must accompany children under 12 years old.

If you have no family to enter, come out and watch! You'll have fun watching 150 (or more) kids surf fish!

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

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

Thanks to all for your continuing support!

The Strahmere Improvement Association

SIA Newsletter 8/30/11 (2) - Obituary for Jim Garoh

2011-08-31T08:27:00.001-05:00

To All Strathmere and Whale Beach Homeowners and Visitors,

Many people in Strathmere knew Jim Garoh, who passed away Saturday morning in his hometown of Springfield, Pennsylvania. He had a house at 10 West Sumner Road. His sister is Peg Mueller who lives on the bay with her husband Bob at 412 Bayview Drive. He was a fantastic guy and a Strathmere historian of sorts.

The family has requested donations in his name to the Strathmere Volunteer Fire Company

His obituary from yesterday's Inquirer -
http://www.legacy.com/obituaries/philly/obituary.aspx?n=james-c-garoh&pid=153359554

JAMES C. JR. on August 27, 2011 of Springfield PA. Beloved husband of the late Barbara J. (nee Reid) Garoh. Devoted father of Donna J. (David) Fulton, Suzanne M. (Bob) Kubiak, James C. (Heather) Garoh III and William D. (Jessica) Garoh. Loving grand-father of 7 grandchildren. Brother of Margaret "Peggy" Mueller.
Relatives and friends are invited to his Funeral Thursday 9 A.M. O'LEARY FUNERAL HOME, 640 E. Springfield Rd., Springfield, PA and to his Viewing Wednesday Eve. after 6:30 P.M. Funeral Mass Thursday 10 A.M., Church of St. Francis of Assisi, Saxer Ave., Springfield, PA 19064. Interment private.

Contributions to the Strathmere Volunteer Fire Co., 5 S. Commonwealth Ave., Strathmere, NJ 08248.

The Strathmere Improvement Association -

Butch Vandegrift - President
Linda Bateman -Vice-President
Donna Diefenderfer - Treasurer
Dorothy Addario - Recording Secretary
Ken Weaver - Corresponding Secretary

SIA Newsletter 8/30/11 - Fire Company Bar-B-Que Tomorrow Night

2011-08-30T19:03:00.000-05:00

To All Strathmere and Whale Beach Homeowners and Visitors,

We believe that the SFEC will have two events on Saturday: the Kids' Surf Tournament and the Nightmare Boat Parade. We have not as yet received confirmation on these from the SFEC Board. As soon as we do, we'll let you know.

In the meantime, tomorrow night (Wednesday) from 6:00 to 10:00 pm, the Strathmere Volunteer Fire Company will be holding their "First Annual Bar-B-Que Fundraiser" at the Deauville Beach House. Remember, when the firefighters elected to stay in town to look after Strathmere, Irene was expected to be far worse than it turned out! If you are in town, please honor them by coming out tomorrow night - and pay special attention to their current request for donations.

Here is the flyer, and it looks like great fun - including the Bubba Mac Band. Tickets will be available at the door.

The Strathmere Improvement Association includes all owners and many visitors to Strathmere and Whale Beach. It was founded over 50 years ago as a community organization with the objective of making Strathmere a better place. We are proud of the organization's many accomplishments over the years. The dues and fund raisers provide for, among other things, funding the Fourth of July Parade, and our share of the Christmas Party. If you have adult children or relatives (or visitors) who visit Strathmere, please forward this message to them - perhaps they'd like to be members and receive these e-mail messages also.

The Strathmere Improvement Association -
Butch Vandegrift - President
Linda Bateman -Vice-President
Donna Diefenderfer - Treasurer
Dorothy Addario - Recording Secretary
Ken Weaver - Corresponding Secretary

Strathmere is looking good after Irene

2011-08-28T13:01:00.001-05:00

We just came from Strathmere. All roads into Strathmere are open. Sea Isle City still has the usual flooding on Landis heading to Strathmere, so you might want to head in through Ocean City. The rest of Landis/Commonwealth was dry except for puddles along the side of the road. There was water in the road on Seacliff/Bayview from the plugged drainage pipe that is suppose to empty the street. A crew was just arriving to dig out the pipe.
It was low tide so there minimal water on Bayview at the time we were there.

Other than some tossed trash cans our house looks fine, no damage, a little water under the house, which is usual during a big storm. During our pass through town we didn't see any major damage to any houses, and no trees down.

Whale Beach looked good too. The dunes are still standing, the ocean did not come over them. The road wasn't flooded - not even the spot at Dolphin Beach which usually floods. I'm sure there's some erosion out on the beaches, I didn't check them.
The Trailer Park looked good. It doesn't look like many people took down their porches, but they were fine. The road in front of the Trailers that usually floods was not flooded when we drove through.

She's a little roughed up, but Strathmere is looking good. I took my camera with me, but there wasn't really anything to take photos of!

If you are a renter, I would wait until Monday to head to the Shore, give the homeowners time to go check out the properties first.

SIA Newsletter 8/28/11 - Irene Impact on Strathmere

2011-08-28T11:21:00.000-05:00

To All Strathmere and Whale Beach Homeowners and Visitors,

Pasted below are messages from Dick Omrod passing on information from Fire Chief Bruce Riordan and others who remained at the Firehouse through the storm.
Sounds good!
We are using a borrowed computer and not able to be very "clever" with this Newsletter....

KW

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From: "Dick Omrod"
Sent: Sunday, August 28, 2011 9:06:14 AM
Subject: Irene

Final Irene Report
Irene passed through in the early morning with minimum or no real damage. Some beach erosion and the electric remained on. We lucked out!

The Chief reported the roads to the island are open but the main arteries to the shore remain closed at this time. Be certain to fill up with gas as most of the stations near the shore are either closed or out of gas.

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

Sent last night...
From: "Dick Omrod"
Sent: Saturday, August 27, 2011 8:59:14 PM
Subject: Irene

Irene Update:
The latest report from the firehouse.
At 8:30 PM Strathmere & Whale Beach have experienced heavy rain, almost all of Commonwealth below the blinker is under water as is all of South Bayview. No evidence of wind damage at this time.
Irene is moving faster than earlier forecast and is expected to pass east of the town at about 2:00 AM Sunday. Most of the heavy weather should be pass us by noon on Sunday.

The Strathmere Improvement Association -

Butch Vandegrift - President
Linda Bateman -Vice-President
Donna Diefenderfer - Treasurer
Dorothy Addario - Recording Secretary
Ken Weaver - Corresponding Secretary

SIA Newsletter 8/26/11 (1) - Irene Track Moves Offshore

2011-08-26T09:25:00.003-05:00

To All Strathmere and Whale Beach Homeowners and Visitors,

The 5:00 am advisory this morning moves Irene off the coast as it goes by us...

Here is a summary of the latest (pdf) Irene Impact Statement (attached). It is somewhat better than last night's with lower wind speeds, but the storm will be earlier, so we're back to the major impact occurring near Sunday morning's high tide:

"Strathmere and Sea Isle City, NJ are expected to receive a significant impact from Hurricane IRENE.
Easterly gale force winds should start affecting the area on Saturday, August 27th at 3 PM EDT with storm force winds arriving around midnight and Northeasterly hurricane force winds arriving near 3 AM Sunday. The highest wind speeds from Hurricane IRENE should occur near 6 AM when top sustained winds, from the North, could reach 88 MPH with gusts near 111 MPH. Winds should decrease below hurricane force shortly thereafter.
Sustained winds will fall below gale force after 1 PM and generally be from the North during this period of decreasing winds. Expect gusts above gale force level for several more hours thereafter.
"Wind damage from Hurricane IRENE could include broken glass in doors and windows. Uplift of roof deck and loss of significant roofing material.

It may also include collapse of chimney, garage doors and damage to porches and/or carports.
"The total rainfall for the Sea Isle City / Strathmere area over the next 3 days is forecast to be 10.4 inches. This can vary significantly as tropical storm and hurricane rainfall is very difficult to predict."

Strathmere and all of Cape May County are now under a mandatory evacuation order.
We are leaving this morning, so this will probably be our last update.

Stay safe!

The Strathmere Improvement Association

SIA Newsletter 8/25/11 (2) - Irene Track Moves Somewhat Inland

2011-08-26T09:16:00.000-05:00

To all Strathmere and Whale Beach Homeowners and Visitors,

The 5:00 pm advisory this evening shows Irene tracking inland (below) as it goes north of Cape May. We'll see how this forecast holds up...

Here is a summary of the latest (pdf) Irene Impact Statement (attached). It is somewhat better (not quite as disastrous) as the one from 11:00 am today:

"We are expected to receive a significant impact from Hurricane IRENE. Easterly gale force winds should start affecting the area on Saturday, August 27th at 6 PM EDT with storm force winds arriving around 3 AM Sunday and Easterly hurricane force winds arriving near 6 AM. The highest wind speeds from Hurricane IRENE should occur near 10 AM Sunday when top sustained winds, from the Southeast, could reach 90 MPH with gusts near 112 MPH. Winds should decrease below hurricane force 4 hours later. Sustained winds will fall below gale force after 6 PM and generally be from the North during this period of decreasing winds. Expect gusts above gale force level for several more hours thereafter.

"Wind damage from Hurricane IRENE could include broken glass in doors and windows. Uplift of roof deck and loss of significant roofing material.
"It may also include collapse of chimney, garage doors and damage to porches and/or carports.
"The total rainfall for the Sea Isle City / Strathmere area over the next 3 days is forecast to be 8.5 inches. This can vary significantly as tropical storm and hurricane rainfall is very difficult to predict."

As you have no doubt heard, Strathmere and the other barrier islands are currently under a mandatory evacuation order, which will be extended to all of Cape May County tomorrow.

Stay safe!

SIA Newsletter 8/25/11 (1) - Nightmare in Strathmere Postponed - Forecast Worsens!

2011-08-25T13:01:00.000-05:00

To all Strathmere and Whale Beach Homeowners and Visitors,

As must be painfully obvious, there will be no "Nightmare in Strathmere" Boat Parade this Saturday.
Mother Nature has decided to have one of her own!
We wanted to let you know sooner, but the sponsoring Strathmere Fishing & Environmental Club has not yet made up their mind regarding another date (probably one of the next two Saturdays). They will decide tomorrow.

Virtually everyone who would have had a boat in the parade is pulling their boat out of the water, and as the forecast track for Irene wobbles east and west, we would not be surprised to see a mandatory evacuation called by Saturday.
We (the Weavers) plan to leave Saturday around low tide (1:00 pm) for daughter Holly's home in Wilmington, Delaware. We hope the house will be fine, but we want to get the cars off our low-lying island...

The storm looks like it will hit us even harder than previously forecast. The 11:00 am advisory this morning from Upper Township for Strathmere and Sea Isle (see attached) said,

"Sea Isle City, NJ is expected to receive a major impact from Hurricane IRENE. Easterly gale force winds should start affecting the area on Saturday, August 27th at 7 PM EDT with storm force winds arriving around 7 AM Sunday and Easterly hurricane force winds arriving near 9 AM. The highest wind speeds from Hurricane IRENE should occur near 11 AM when top sustained winds, from the East, could reach 98 MPH with gusts near 122 MPH. Winds should decrease below hurricane force 3 hours later.
"Sustained winds will fall below gale force after 7 PM and generally be from the North during this period of decreasing winds. Expect gusts above gale force level for several more hours thereafter. Wind damage from Hurricane IRENE could be significant with a few homes being shifted off of their foundation and large section of roof removed. It will also likely include collapse of chimneys, garage doors and loss of porches and/or carports.
"The total rainfall for the area over the next 3 days is forecast to be 8.5 inches. This can vary significantly as tropical storm and hurricane rainfall is very difficult to predict."

Note that the peak for us is later on Sunday than previously forecast (more toward low tide than the morning high tide), but the winds are projected to be much higher because of a somewhat more westerly track. The New Moon is Sunday, and the forecast high tide at Corson's Inlet (under normal conditions) is at 8:05 pm (5.5 feet). If the winds (above) don't let the water out on Sunday, that could be a very, very high tide Sunday evening!
The latest track forecast is shown below.
This storm looks eerily like the September, 1944 Great Northeast Hurricane that did so much damage to Strathmere...

We'll continue to keep you posted...

Once again, stay tuned and prepare for the worst!

The Strathmere Improvement Association -
Butch Vandegrift - President
Linda Bateman -Vice-President
Donna Diefenderfer - Treasurer
Dorothy Addario - Recording Secretary
Ken Weaver - Corresponding Secretary

SIA Newsletter 8/24/11 (2) - Irene Track Is Wobbling East and West - Keep Watching Closely

2011-08-25T07:20:00.000-05:00

To all Strathmere and Whale Beach Homeowners and Visitors,
The tracking forecasts for Irene as of 8:00 pm this evening show it closest to the South Jersey coast around 6:00 am to 8:00 am Sunday morning (high tide here Sunday morning is at 7:48 - the New Moon is Sunday night).

Here is what's expected for us:

Sandy Hook to Cape May, N.J.
The eye wall of Irene will pass just offshore Sunday morning. Weather conditions will deteriorate Saturday into Saturday evening with wind and rain increasing. Periods of heavy rain, damaging sustained tropical storm-force winds with hurricane-force wind gusts (75 mph) and coastal flooding are possible Saturday night and Sunday. Expect significant beach erosion with a storm surge of 2 to 4 feet.
Below is a representation of what's expected at 6:00 am Sunday:

Below is a forecast of the impact on Sea Isle City (basically the same as Strathmere). It says that Northeasterly gale force winds should start affecting our area on Saturday, August 27th by 11 PM EDT. The highest wind speeds from Hurricane Irene should occur near 8 AM Sunday when top sustained winds, from the North, could reach 57 MPH with gusts near 72 MPH. Winds are not expected to decrease below gale force until eight hours later (4:00 pm Sunday afternoon).

Northeasterly gale force winds should start affecting the area on Saturday, August 27th at 11 PM EDT. The highest wind speeds from Hurricane IRENE should occur near 8 AM when top sustained winds, from the North, could reach 57 MPH with gusts near 72 MPH. Winds should decrease below gale force 8 hours later.
Sustained winds will fall below gale force after 4 PM and generally be from the North during this period of decreasing winds. Expect gusts above gale force level for several more hours thereafter.
Some minor residential wind damage may occur from Hurricane IRENE in Sea Isle City.
The total rainfall for the Sea Isle City area over the next 3 days is forecast to be 3.8 inches. This can vary significantly as tropical storm and hurricane rainfall is very difficult to predict.

Once again, stay tuned and prepare for the worst!

The Strathmere Improvement Association -

Butch Vandegrift - President
Linda Bateman -Vice-President
Donna Diefenderfer - Treasurer
Dorothy Addario - Recording Secretary
Ken Weaver - Corresponding Secretary

Children's Summer Reading program rewards

2011-08-24T11:22:00.000-05:00

Hi everyone,

It's been a wonderful, busy summer.We've had lots of children reading books for fun this summer as part of our children's summer reading program. As a reward - everyone who read a book and filled out an ice cream cone gets a certificate for an ice cream treat. These can be redeemed at the "Old Shack" which will be open until the end of September (on weekends in September).

These children are eligible: Ciana, Alex, Jack, Jillian, Colten, Jordyn, Ava, Ellie, Sophie, Julia, Matthew G., Bella and Abby.
Also, Ava is the winner of a Schiavo Library t-shirt for reading the most books!

Please stop in the library any time and pick up your certificates.

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

SIA Newsletter 8/24/11 - Irene Track Shifts East - Keep Watching Closely

2011-08-24T09:06:00.000-05:00

To All Strathmere and Whale Beach Homeowners and Visitors,

Last night's track showed a direct hit on Cape May County on Sunday.
As hoped, this morning's forecasted track has it shifting to the east, passing some 75 miles off our coast.
Weather forecasts for Saturday evening are not great, so Nightmare is still threatened. Hopefully forecasts will improve.

Stay tuned!

SIA Newsletter 8 23 11 - Start Planning Precautions for Hurricane Irene!

2011-08-24T07:31:00.000-05:00

To all Strathmere and Whale Beach Homeowners and Visitors,

We don't want to alarm anyone unnecessarily, but Hurricane Irene is now forecasted to strike our area on Sunday afternoon!
The forecast track has been constantly changing, more and more to the east, so hopefully this trend will continue and Irene will pass us well offshore.
On the other hand, it's well to be prepared so you should start doing some planning in case the worst occurs.

Here is a CNN article advising people on the East coast to take preparations,

http://www.cnn.com/2011/WORLD/americas/08/23/tropical.weather/index.html?eref=mrss_igoogle_cnn

and here is the forecast track as of this afternoon, showing the storm "kissing" (violently) North Carolina on Saturday and getting here on Sunday:

We suggest you follow this storm very carefully and begin thinking about precautions to secure your property, including boats, etc.
Thanks to all for your continuing support!

The Strathmere Improvement Association -
Butch Vandegrift - President
Linda Bateman -Vice-President
Donna Diefenderfer - Treasurer
Dorothy Addario - Recording Secretary
Ken Weaver - Corresponding Secretary

This Saturday night, August 27, will see one of the biggest events of the Strathmere Summer - Nightmare in Strathmere!

2011-08-22T12:56:00.000-05:00

To all Strathmere and Whale Beach Homeowners and Visitors,

This Saturday night, August 27, will see one of the biggest events of the Strathmere Summer - Nightmare in Strathmere!

The origins are somewhat lost in the mists of time, but sometime in the early 1980's, a group from the Fishing Club were sitting around a watering spot discussing summers in Strathmere, and one suggested holding a boat parade. Another said, "Well, that would be a real nightmare", and so a legend was born. The name has nothing to do with the boat parade held by our neighbors to the north.

Here is a picture of the winning (ghostly - ghastly?) entry in 1985

The caption reads, "1st Place, 1985 - Johnson & Doberstein - 1210 Bayview Drive.

Times have changed but Nightmare is still just as much fun. It is not limited to boaters or houses on the bay - houses off the bay are urged to decorate and compete for a prize in their category!

Here is a recent great off-the bay entry entitled, "Real Housewives of Strathmere":

So whether, it's your boat, your dock or your home, you, too can come up with a decorating scheme and have a barrel of fun doing it!

There is no cost to enter, and everyone who does will receive a commemorative mug. Register and join the fun!
Nightmare is (still) run by the Strathmere Fishing and Environmental Club (SFEC), and by selling tee shirts and raffle tickets, it has become their biggest fundraiser of the year.

Here is the Nightmare Schedule:

*All week: Tee shirts for sale at Hollingers' - Bayview at Putnam (check out the missing bridge railing)...

*All week - Raffle Tickets available at Frank's Boats ($10 for ten tickets - prizes: 1st: $1000; 2nd: $300; 3rd: $200)

*Friday, 7:00 pm until 9:00 pm - Registration at former Corson's Marina - Bayview at Putnam

*Saturday, Noon until 5:00 (or so) - Tee shirts and Raffle Tickets for sale at tent in front of Twisties (turn in your raffle stubs)

*Saturday, 6:00 pm: Boats assemble in bay opposite boat ramp.

*Saturday, 6:30 pm - Boat Parade begins opposite Boat Ramp and continues under bridge (two cycles)

*Saturday, 9:00 pm - Deauville Beach Bar - Award presentations and Raffle Drawings

Even if you don't enter, come to a street end, the playground, Twisties, the Deauville or a friend's house on the bay and watch the parade!

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Upcoming Events - Update Your Calendar!

*"Nightmare in Strathmere" Boat Parade, 6:30, Saturday, August 27 - get your boat and house themes ready!

*Strathmere Fire Company Benefit BBQ at the Deauville Beach House w/ Bubba Mac Band, Wednesday, August 31, 6 to 10 PM.

*Kids' Surf Fishing Tournament, Saturday, September 3, 9:00 am

*SIA Meeting Friday, September 9, 8:00 pm

*Last day of Flounder Season, Sunday, September 25

*Services at the Strathmere United Methodist Church every Sunday to September 25: 9:15 Hymn Sing; 9:30 Service.

Did you make your dues payment yet? Our thanks to everyone who has. Remember, it's just $10 per adult family member, and you can send it to SIA at PO Box 57 in Strathmere.
The Strathmere Improvement Association includes all owners and many visitors to Strathmere and Whale Beach. It was founded over 50 years ago as a community organization with the objective of making Strathmere a better place. We are proud of the organization's many accomplishments over the years. The dues and fund raisers provide for, among other things, funding the Fourth of July Parade, and our share of the Christmas Party. If you have adult children or relatives (or visitors) who visit Strathmere, please forward this message to them - perhaps they'd like to be members and receive these e-mail messages also.

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

Thanks to all for your continuing support!

Butch Vandegrift - President
Linda Bateman -Vice-President
Donna Diefenderfer - Treasurer
Dorothy Addario - Recording Secretary
Ken Weaver - Corresponding Secretary

Help promote the Ocean Kayak Festival with Channel 6 News on the beach this Thursday

2011-08-10T12:31:00.000-05:00

Strathmere Weather on the News

Channel 6 News is helping the Beach Patrol promote its Ocean Kayak Festival during live weather broadcasts on the beach this Thursday the 11th from 3:30 to 6:30. Their largest segment will be for the 6:00 news.
They told us it would be extra special for them if we could assemble a large crowd of people on the beach at Vincent St. to be part of the broadcast.
Please pass the word. This should be a lot of fun, so if you’re available and want to be seen on TV and wave to your friends back home, please come out and join us.

Thanks,

Beach Patrol

SIA Newsletter 8/6/11 - Busy Week Coming Up!

2011-08-07T16:04:00.000-05:00

To all Strathmere and Whale Beach Homeowners and Visitors,

This Friday night, the SIA will hold its August meeting at 8:00 pm. We will be awarding Savings Bonds to Strathmere Honor Roll students, and then we will have a State Trooper from the Woodbine State Police Barracks explain the responsibilities and functions of the troop and then answer your questions. You'll find that quite interesting. It's also our election meeting, and following the formal meeting we'll have a "Jersey Fresh" session. Please bring your best "Jersey Fresh" delight for all to taste!

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On Thursday evening, August 11, from 7:00 to 8:00, the Schiavo Library will host a program by the Wetlands Institute called "Sea Creatures", sponsored by the Strathmere Fishing and Environmental Club. This will be the third year for a Wetlands presentation at the Library and they have proven to be great fun for children and adults alike. Here are pictures from last year:

Bring your folding chair...

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On Saturday, August 13, the Life Guards will hold their annual Kayak Festival. This is their biggest fund raiser of the year, and again is great fun for all. Here are pictures from last year's races:

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On Sunday, August 14, from 2:00 to 4:00 pm, the Strathmere Volunteer Fire Company will hold their "Safety in Strathmere" Day (formerly called Fire Prevention Day).

As in previous years, there will be lots of fun things for children and adults, including a face painter, photo opportunities in actual fire trucks, photo opportunities in cut outs of firemen and fire trucks, hot dogs, drinks, and ice cream. On the serious side, there will be many fire and safety give aways, tips on fire prevention and safety in Strathmere, displays by the Coast Guard Auxillary for boating safety and the Strathmere Fishing and Environmental Club for fishing tips and safety. Last year's fun looked like this:

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On Friday, July 29, the SIA held a "Sock Hop" at the Firehouse! Brandis and Jorge Riba operate their own dance studio in Clark, New Jersey, where they provide basic lessons and also choreography for wedding parties, and they donated their time here to Strathmere. The Hop was very well attended, and everyone had a great time.
Showing how it's done...

We hope to do it again next year!

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Upcoming Events - Update Your Calendar!

*Wetlands Institute Program at Schiavo Library Thursday, August 11, 7:00 to 8:00 pm

*SIA Meeting Friday, August 12, 8:00 pm - Fruit Festival! Bring your favorite "Jersey Fresh" fruit dish or drink.

*Kayak Festival and Races Saturday, August 13

*Strathmere Volunteer Fire Company Safety in Strathmere Day Sunday, August 14, 2011, 2:00 to 4:00 pm

*Local Authors' Night at the Schiavo Library Thursday, August 18

*The games formerly known as the Strathmere Olympics will be held Saturday, August 20

*"Nightmare in Strathmere" Boat Parade, 6:30, Saturday, August 27

*Strathmere Fire Company Benefit BBQ at the Deauville Beach House w/ Bubba Mac Band, Wednesday, August 31, 6 to 10 PM

*Kids' Surf Fishing Tournament, Saturday, September 3, 9:00 am

*SIA Meeting Friday, September 9, 8:00 pm

*Last day of Flounder Season, Sunday, September 25

*Services at the Strathmere United Methodist Church every Sunday to September 25: 9:15 Hymn Sing; 9:30 Service.

Did you make your dues payment yet? Our thanks to everyone who has. Remember, it's just $10 per adult family member, and you can send it to SIA at PO Box 57 in Strathmere.
The Strathmere Improvement Association includes all owners and many visitors to Strathmere and Whale Beach. It was founded over 50 years ago as a community organization with the objective of making Strathmere a better place. We are proud of the organization's many accomplishments over the years. The dues and fund raisers provide for, among other things, funding the Fourth of July Parade, and our share of the Christmas Party. If you have adult children or relatives (or visitors) who visit Strathmere, please forward this message to them - perhaps they'd like to be members and receive these e-mail messages also.

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

Thanks to all for your continuing support!
Butch Vandegrift - President
Linda Bateman -Vice-President
Donna Diefenderfer - Treasurer
Dorothy Addario - Recording Secretary
Ken Weaver - Corresponding Secretary

Schiavo Library: August 2011 Newsletter

2011-08-07T13:15:00.000-05:00

Schiavo Library: August 2011 Newsletter

Special Summer Programs:
*Wetlands Institute Program “Amazing Sea Creatures”: August 11th 7 – 8:00pm. Join us in the parking lot for this great family program!

*Local Authors Night: August 18th 6:30-8:00pm. All book lovers welcome! Come and discuss books with some really interesting local authors. Light refreshments will be available.

Welcome to a New Assistant:
If you stop in on a Saturday, you’ll meet our new assistant: Melissa Warren. She lives in Sea Isle City with her husband and two children. She’ll help us cover Saturdays and other days of the week during the off-season.

More Popular than ever:
Thank you patrons!! We have even more people than ever using our library this summer!
In June 371 people visited the library (141 additional stopped in for the book sale).
In July we had 639 people use the library – for books, computers, DVDs, children’s programs, newspapers, magazines, etc. We continue to attract new members. Our book and DVD circulation are up substantially – we checked out 251 books and 77 DVDs in July. Our wish is to make this a very welcoming place to visit and the best small library in New Jersey.

Children’s Programs:
If you haven’t yet come for one of our summer children’s programs, you don’t know what you’re missing. Our story time, Craft night with Megan, LEGO club, movie morning and BINGO are tons of fun for the kids. Unfortunately the end of summer will be here soon – so stop in before it’s too late!

Save the date:
Don’t forget that we have another used book sale in September – dates: September 9 – 23 (or later). Lots of donations have been coming in all summer – so there should be something for everyone.

Enjoy the rest of your summer!
Christine Rohrman, Library Director
http://www.strathmerelibrary.org/

Please be careful swimming on the Point

2011-08-03T08:04:00.000-05:00

In the past week there have been 2 serious rescues on the Strathmere side of Corson's Inlet, straight out on the Point. The water where the ocean and the bay meets is very rough, especially when the tide is coming in. The waves are rough and the undertow is very strong, making a choppy whirlpool out there.
There are no lifeguards in this area, so do not swim alone and keep a close watch on children, take them to calmer waters to swim.

http://www.nbc40.net/news/18554/
http://www.nbc40.net/news/18554/video

SIA Newsletter 7 27 11 - Dance Party Friday Night!

2011-07-27T08:32:00.000-05:00

To all Strathmere and Whale Beach Homeowners and Visitors,

We have something very special at 7:00 pm this Friday evening - a "Sock Hop" at the Firehouse!

Brandis and Jorge Riba operate their own dance studio in Clark, New Jersey, where they provide basic lessons and also choreography for wedding parties. They know how to make dancing really fun and enjoyable! They vacation every summer with Joyce and Len Wilson and have grown to love Strathmere.

This "Sock Hop" is their gift back to Strathmere of their talent and enthusiasm for dancing.

Come as a couple ($9) - or come as a single ($5)! All will have great fun.

Light refreshments provided.
Have plans? Change 'em!
Don't like to dance? Friday night will change your mind - and what a bargain price!!!

For more information (and to help us plan for how many are coming), call

Len or Joyce Wilson at 215-520-5137, or Linda Bateman at 609-970-0157

Tickets will be available at the door.

Upcoming Events - Update Your Calendar!

*SIA Sock Hop at the Firehouse Friday, July 29, 7:00 pm

*Wetlands Institute Program at Schiavo Library Thursday, August 11, 7:00 to 8:00 pm

*SIA Meeting Friday, August 12, 8:00 pm - Fruit Festival! Bring your favorite "Jersey Fresh" fruit dish or drink.

*Kayak Festival and Races Saturday, August 13

*Strathmere Volunteer Fire Company Fire Prevention and Safety Day Sunday, August 14, 2011, 2:00 to 4:00 pm

*Local Authors' Night at the Schiavo Library Thursday, August 18

*The games formerly known as the Strathmere Olympics will be held Saturday, August 20

*"Nightmare in Strathmere" Boat Parade, 6:30, Saturday, August 27

*Strathmere Fire Company Benefit BBQ at the Deauville Beach House w/ Bubba Mac Band, Wednesday, August 31, 6 to 10 PM

*Kids' Surf Fishing Tournament, Saturday, September 3, 9:00 am

*SIA Meeting Friday, September 9, 8:00 pm

*Last day of Flounder Season, Sunday, September 25

*Services at the Strathmere United Methodist Church every Sunday to September 25: 9:15 Hymn Sing; 9:30 Service.

Did you make your dues payment yet? Our thanks to everyone who has. Remember, it's just $10 per adult family member, and you can send it to SIA at PO Box 57 in Strathmere.

The Strathmere Improvement Association includes all owners and many visitors to Strathmere and Whale Beach. It was founded over 50 years ago as a community organization with the objective of making Strathmere a better place. We are proud of the organization's many accomplishments over the years. The dues and fund raisers provide for, among other things, funding the Fourth of July Parade, and our share of the Christmas Party. If you have adult children or relatives (or visitors) who visit Strathmere, please forward this message to them - perhaps they'd like to be members and receive these e-mail messages also.

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

Thanks to all for your continuing support!
Butch Vandegrift - President
Linda Bateman -Vice-President
Donna Diefenderfer - Treasurer
Dorothy Addario - Recording Secretary
Ken Weaver - Corresponding Secretary

Short video with highlights of the 4th of July Parade

2011-07-26T16:36:00.000-05:00

SIA Newsletter 7 19 11 - Auction Saturday; Bay Races Tuesday

2011-07-20T09:41:00.000-05:00

To all Strathmere and Whale Beach Homeowners and Visitors,

This Saturday evening, July 23, the Citizens For Strathmere and Whale Beach will hold their third annual auction at the Firehouse.
As most of you know, the CFSWB is responsible for the legal action to deannex Strathmere from Upper Township and make Strathmere part of Sea Isle City. Proceeds from the auction will be used to cover legal fees for this activity.
There will be a "Chinese" auction, a "Silent" auction, and finally a "Live" auction - all taking place this year from 7:00 to 9:00 pm.
There will be lots of great stuff for the kids, along with complimentary soda, beer, wine and desserts.
Among the many items to be auctioned will be this 8" x 10" oil on linen original painting by Greg Bennett entitled, "Old Jetty on a Hazy Morning", valued at $1500.
It is in the plein air style, but done in the studio.

Here are a few pictures from last year's auction: Kids enjoy the Chinese Auction... Some of the many items for the Live Auction....

Folks check out items in the Silent Auction...

Look at those desserts! And then the Live Auction!

Note that last year the Chinese Auction was scheduled to start at 4:00 pm, the Silent Auction at 7:00 pm and the Live Auction at 8:15. This year it looks like both the Chinese Auction and the Silent Auction will begin at 7:00 pm, so adjust your bidding strategy accordingly...

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Check out the new Beach Patrol Website, http://www.utbp.us/ and especially their "Strathmere Doors" poster!

On Tuesday evening, July 26, at 6:30, the first of several lifeguard boat races will take off down the bay in the annual MS 6-mile race that starts and ends at the Deauville Inn.

Here is a picture from last year's race. Watch from the Deauville, Twisties, the playground, street ends - or take some beer to a friend's who lives on the bay!

Our July 8 SIA Meeting was unfortunately held during a torrential storm that caused power outages throughout Strathmere. Our thanks to those who came anyway!

On Friday evening, July 29, The SIA will sponsor a "Strathmere Strut Dance Clinic"!
Guaranteed to be a lot of fun, the "clinic" will be run by members of the Brandis Dance Theatre. http://www.brandisdance.com/index2.html
Join us for a great time!

LOCAL AUTHORS WANTED! The Schiavo Library is looking for local authors for their first Local Authors' Night, August 18, 2011, to display and discuss their books.
If you are interested in participating, please phone the Schiavo Library at (609) 486-6265 or email Christine, the Library Director at info@strathmerelibrary.org

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Upcoming Events - Mark Your Calendars

*CFSWB Community Auction at the Firehouse, 7:00 pm, this Saturday, July 23

*Lifeguards' Six Mile Bay Row, Tuesday July 26, beginning (at 6:30 pm) and ending at the Deauville

*Wetlands Institute Program at Schiavo Library Thursday, August 11, 7:00 to 8:00 pm

*SIA Meeting Friday, August 12, 8:00 pm - Fruit Festival! Bring your favorite "Jersey Fresh" fruit dish or drink.

*Kayak Festival and Races Saturday, August 13

*Strathmere Volunteer Fire Company Fire Prevention and Safety Day Sunday, August 14, 2011, 2:00 to 4:00 pm

*Local Authors' Night at the Schiavo Library Thursday, August 18

*Tentative Date for the games formerly known as the Strathmere Olympics Saturday, August 20

*"Nightmare in Strathmere" Boat Parade, 6:30, Saturday, August 27

*Kids' Surf Fishing Tournament, Saturday, September 3, 9:00 am

*SIA Meeting Friday, September 9, 8:00 pm

*Last day of Flounder Season, Sunday, September 25

*Services at the Strathmere United Methodist Church every Sunday to September 25: 9:15 Hymn Sing; 9:30 Service.

Thanks to everyone who has sent us their dues payment. Remember, it's just $10 per adult family member, and you can send it to SIA at PO Box 57 in Strathmere.

The Strathmere Improvement Association includes all owners and many visitors to Strathmere and Whale Beach. It was founded over 50 years ago as a community organization with the objective of making Strathmere a better place. We are proud of the organization's many accomplishments over the years. The dues and fund raisers provide for, among other things, funding the Fourth of July Parade, and our share of the Christmas Party. If you have adult children or relatives (or visitors) who visit Strathmere, please forward this message to them - perhaps they'd like to be members and receive these e-mail messages also.
You can contact us by responding to this e-mail sia6@comcast.net or by mailing SIA at PO Box 57 in Strathmere.

Thanks to all for your continuing support!

Butch Vandegrift - President
Linda Bateman -Vice-President
Donna Diefenderfer - Treasurer
Dorothy Addario - Recording Secretary
Ken Weaver - Corresponding Secretary

SIA Newsletter 7 8 11 - 4th of July Parade Results and Pictures

2011-07-08T08:26:00.001-05:00

To all Strathmere and Whale Beach Homeowners and Visitors,

We had a great day for our parade! A little hot, but still a great day!
We want to tell you here of our many winners, provide some parade pictures (and links to others) and thank at least some of those who made the parade happen.

Awards were presented as follows:

Division 100 – Motorized Floats
First Prize, “Dancing Yankee Doodles” - Ed Dietz;
Second Prize, “Summer Mummers” – Karly Boles

Honorable Mention
“The Fox Fourth” – Tim Fox
“Pop Chal Palooza” – Paul Geib
“Strathmere Safari” – Joe Coffey
Take A Kid Fishing” – Strathmere Fishing & Environmental Club

Division 200 – Hand-Pulled Floats
First Prize, “Strathmere Rocks” – Roland Family
Second Prize, “Pirates of Corson’s Inlet” – Gabor Family

Division 300 – Walkers, Wagons & Strollers (Adults and Children)
First Prize, “Super Sundae Squad” – Schwartz;
Second Prize (Tie), “Strathmere Recreation Department” – Furey & Pond Families
Second Prize (Tie), “Don’t Shop Around” – Collette Breen
Honorable Mention
“Red Wagon” – Darens
“Stars and Stripes” – DeGuzman and Lord Families
“Star Spangled Wagon”

Division 400 – Walkers and Wagons (Adults Only)
First Prize, “Fish 'n' Chics” – The Townsends

Division 500 – Bikes, Trikes and Scooters
First Prize, “Patriotic Wagon / Bicycle” - Matt Calloway;
Second Prize (Tie), “Nobody ‘Parades’ Like Strathmere” - Madeline and Jacqueline White;
Second Prize (Tie), “USA Sign / Pinwheel” - Holly Robinson

Honorable Mention
“Star Spangled Bikes” - Erin Daley
“Star-Spangled Girl” - Hannah Emmell
“Birth of America” - Rachel Bacon
“Seacliff Stripers” – The Hares and Friends
“Happy Fourth” – Luke Rantanen
“Streamers / Crepe Paper” – Shay Comiskey

Division 600 - Participation prizes were awarded to nine classic and antique cars:
Jerry Bailey - 1949 Chevy half-ton pickup
Walt McCormac – 1987 Jaguar V-12
Elaine Holsomback – 1967 Mustang
Steve Omrod – 1997 Mustang Cobra
Mike Murray – 1972 Oldsmobile Delta 88
Greg Mahley – 1971 Oldsmobile Delta 88
The Biylers – 1931 Ford “A” 23 Durant Touring
Jim Wines – 1971 MG B
Mike Santori – 1982 Mercedes 380 SL

Here are some parade pictures. More can be found on the Strathmere Website here and on the SIA Facebook Page here

Parade pictures mostly by Holly Weaver. Award pictures mostly by Kate Weaver.

At the Deauville, Ken Weaver introduces Lance Corporal Andrew Loesch, who recently returned from his second tour in Afghanistan, while SIA President Charles “Butch” Vandegrift applauds.

Butch then announced the parade trophy winners

Watching the Parade is great, but perhaps the best part of the day is watching the children receive hard-won awards…

The program ended with Debbie Vandegrift singing a beautiful rendition of “God Bless America”…

Ken and Jessica Weaver were again co-chairs and organizers of the parade.

They would like to thank the Strathmere Volunteer Fire Company, Uncle Bill’s, Horace Lorillier and especially Lynda Brown and her staff at the Deauville Inn.

They would also like to thank everyone who participated, who obviously spent so much time on their ideas and decorations!
In addition, they would like to thank all those who helped with registration, judging, children’s giveaways and SIA Sales.

Kate Weaver and Sue Ernst directed people to the correct registration line. Mary Welker, Mary Ann Omrod and Judy Hollinger registered everyone in the parade.
The three pictures below show eight of our ten judges:

Len & Joyce Wilson and Sophia Wisniewska & Mary Schmelzer

Unfortunately, your intrepid photographer failed to take a picture of Ginny & Steve Simone

Karen Berry & Tim O'Kane; Jim & Alice March

Holly Weaver & Gina Zeccardi saw that every child in the parade got a "giveaway".

Marion Ingram, Kay Higginbotham and Donna Diefenderfer sold SIA Strathmere "Stuff".

Please remember that the parade, including all of the giveaways and trophies, is financed by the SIA entirely from dues payments and the sale of items like tee shirts, caps, tote bags, coolers, etc.

We sold lots of caps, tote bags and coolers on the Fourth of July, so thanks to all who purchased!

Remember, our annual "dues" are just $10 per adult family member, and you can send them to SIA at PO Box 57 in Strathmere.

Remember also our SIA Meeting tonight at 8:00 pm - Beer Tasting with Philly Pretzels!

You can contact us by responding to this e-mail sia6@comcast.net or by mailing SIA at PO Box 57 in Strathmere.
Thanks to all for your continuing support!
Butch Vandegrift - President
Linda Bateman -Vice-President
Donna Diefenderfer - Treasurer
Dorothy Addario - Recording Secretary
Ken Weaver - Corresponding Secretary

Schiavo Library: July 2011 Newsletter

2011-07-08T07:46:00.000-05:00

Schiavo Library: July 2011 Newsletter

Summer Programs:
Our summer schedule has begun with these children’s programs:
*Storybook Time (age 3-5) Tuesday 10:30am
*Lego Club (age 5-12) Tuesday 11:30
*Children’s movie morning – Wednesday 10:30-noon
*Book Bingo (for all ages) – Wednesday 1:30-2:30
*Kid’s Craft Night with Megan – Wednesday 6:00-7:15pm

For further information about these and other family programs, stop in and pick up one of our brochures.

New for Summer:
We are now open Thursday evenings until 8:00pm. For July we are featuring recent movies on DVD such as The Fighter, The Social Network, and The King’s Speech. They’ll be shown between 6:00 and 8:00pm Thursday nights.
The Philadelphia Inquirer is here for the summer!

We’re building a nice collection of recently-released DVDs (for children and adults). They can be checked out for $1 each for 3 days. If you have some DVDs you no longer need, we’ll take them anytime!

Crafts in the Summer:
My first bead jewelry lesson will be held Thursday – July 14th at 2:00pm. Ladies, if you’re free that afternoon, stop in and maybe you can make bead earrings to match your outfit!

Money Collected during the Fourth of July Parade:
One of our members, third grader Samantha Eill, decided to collect some money for our library. She convinced her mom to allow her to enter the parade with her bucket for donations. Samantha and her mother came in and (WHAT A SURPRISE ) handed us a check for $257.47. Samantha then gave me some suggestions for easy chapter books to add to our collection. Thank you Samantha and everyone who was so generous during the parade!

Second Anniversary Celebration
Our celebration is over – the cupcakes were a hit. Hard to believe the library is now over 2 years old! Our collection continues to grow – we have over 2,900 items. I bet we have the book you’re looking for this summer – come in and find out!

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

Township honors local Marine in Fourth of July parade

2011-07-07T11:46:00.000-05:00

From the Upper Township Gazette -

Township honors local Marine in Fourth of July parade

Written by Columb Higgins
Tuesday, 05 July 2011 14:43

STRATHMERE – Upper Township honored one of its own Monday when U.S. Marine Lance Cpl. Andrew Loesch joined the annual Fourth of July parade in Strathmere.

Loesch rode in the parade on the back of a truck with members of the Upper Township Committee. He returned from Helmand province in Afghanistan three weeks ago.
Helmand province is in southern Afghanistan. It has been the scene of much of the fighting between U.S. forces and the Taliban since President Barack Obama ordered an increase of 30,000 additional forces in 2009.
Loesch, 20, is a member of the 8th Engineering Support Battallion. He helped provide security for construction equipment which was building roads in the province, he said.
“I was a turret gunner,” he said. “We defended the equipment that they used to build the roads and other things.”
His time home did not last long. The day after the Fourth of July parade he was due back at Camp Lejeune in North Carolina. Loesch will train there with his unit in preparation for another likely deployment, he said.
“We are pretty much ready to go,” said Loesch.
Loesch’s father, Ken, said his son was exhausted when he returned to the United States on June 3. The Marines took a 24-hour flight back to Camp Lejeune and his son looked tired but “he also looked great,” said Ken.
“It was great to see him,” he said. “He was definitely happy to be back. He bought himself his first new car and rested up and spent some time with family.”
Loesch has been a Marine for two years and has two years to go, said Ken.
“It was something he wanted to do,” he said. “He went in after high school. His grandfather was a Marine in the 1950’s. He served during the Korean War.”
Loesch was born in Philadelphia but his family moved to Upper Township in time for him to attend Ocean City High School. He graduated from high school in 2009.

Mayor Richard Palombo said he was honored to have Loesch aboard during the Fourth of July parade.
“It was exiting to have Andrew with us,” he said. “You’ve got to give all the credit to him and the soldiers like him on a day like this. It’s a credit to his dedication to serve his country.”
Palombo said the Strathmere parade was a success as it is every year.
“I want to thank the Strathmere Improvement Association for putting it on every year,” said Palombo. “It really is something to look forward to, this year more than most.”

Also from the Upper Township Gazette - Strathmere Fourth of July Parade winners

Alex's Lemonade Stand SUCCESS!!!!

2011-07-07T07:13:00.000-05:00

Thanks all for your support of the Bayview Bunch's Alex's Lemonade Stand on the 4th of July. We raised over $600 for childhood cancer research and quenched some thirst doing it. Come back next year!!!!

SIA Newsletter 7 5 11 - SIA Meeting Friday - Please Come!

2011-07-05T16:16:00.014-05:00

The Strathmere Improvement Association can now also be found on Facebook

To all Strathmere and Whale Beach Homeowners and Visitors,

We have an SIA meeting coming up this Friday evening at 8:00 pm. Immediately after our "short" business meeting, we'll have a tasting of select, craft-style beers with Philly soft pretzels!

Our Program Committee, with Janet Mahley, Elaine Holsomback and Linda Bateman, have come up with a great series of fun events to follow our meetings.

At the June Meeting, with many people not yet here for the summer, we had a great time at our "Welcome Back" wine and cheese party:

On June 11 we held another successful yard sale. Most "sellers" seemed to do well, and a good time was had by all.

Joyce Wilson took a turn at the SIA Sales table...

We also want to announce that now, thanks to Linda Bateman, we are on facebook! You can become friends with Strathmere Improvement Association (SIA). Facebook

We sold lots of caps, tote bags and coolers on the Fourth of July, so thanks to all who purchased! Your dues and those sales are what pay for the Parade and the Christmas Party!

We have very few green tote bags left, but caps and coolers are currently available at 212 Bayview Drive. Call 263-6846 to be sure we're home.

We will have a whole separate Newsletter on the Fourth of July Parade, but in the meantime we want to tell you we'll be on the front page of tomorrow's Cape May County Herald.

You can see the on-line version (five pictures) here - http://www.capemaycountyherald.com/article/community/strathmere/74124-strathmere+fourth+july+parade

You can also see three pages of parade pictures on the Strathmere Blog here -
www.strathmere.net/2011.html

LOCAL AUTHORS WANTED! The Schiavo Library is looking for local authors for their First Local Authors Night, August 18, 2011, to display and discuss their books.
If you are interested in participating, please phone the Schiavo Library at (609) 486-6265 or email Christine, the library director at info@strathmerelibrary.org

Upcoming Events -
*SIA Meeting Friday, July 8, 8:00 pm - Beer Tasting with Philly Pretzels!

*Jane Shetler Women's Fishing Tournament and SFEC Summer Social Dinner Saturday, July 9. Limited tickets available!

* CFSWB Community Auction at the Firehouse, Saturday, July 23

*Lifeguards' Six Mile Bay Row, Tuesday July 26, beginning and ending at the Deauville

*SIA Meeting Friday, August 12, 8:00 pm - Fruit Festival! Bring your favorite "Jersey Fresh" fruit dish or drink.

*Kayak Festival and Races Saturday, August 13

*"Nightmare in Strathmere" Boat Parade, 6:30, Saturday, August 27

*Kids' Surf Fishing Tournament, Saturday, September 3, 9:00 am

*SIA Meeting Friday, September 9, 8:00 pm

*Last day of Flounder Season, Sunday, September 25

*Services at the Strathmere United Methodist Church every Sunday to September 25: 9:15 Hymn Sing; 9:30 Service.

And at all times, check out Carol Baker's wonderful Strathmere website at http://www.strathmere.net/ You can also check out her Strathmere Blog - http://www.strathmere.blogspot.com/

Thanks to everyone who has sent us their dues payment. Remember, it's just $10 per adult family member, and you can send it to SIA at PO Box 57 in Strathmere.
If you missed it, we sent out the Trash Regulations with our June 8 Newsletter. If you want another copy, respond to this newsletter - sia6@comcast.net

The Strathmere Improvement Association includes all owners and many visitors to Strathmere and Whale Beach. It was founded over 50 years ago as a community organization with the objective of making Strathmere a better place. We are proud of the organization's many accomplishments over the years. The dues and fund raisers provide for, among other things, funding the Fourth of July Parade, and our share of the Christmas Party. In the past, we've also donated money to help pay for extra State Police protection. If you have adult children or relatives (or visitors) who visit Strathmere, please forward this message to them - perhaps they'd like to be members and receive these e-mail messages also.

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

Thanks to all for your continuing support!

Butch Vandegrift - President
Linda Bateman -Vice-President
Donna Diefenderfer - Treasurer
Dorothy Addario - Recording Secretary
Ken Weaver - Corresponding Secretary

4th of July Parade Photos

2011-07-04T14:25:00.002-05:00

Another great 4th of July Parade in Strathmere. The big crowd pleaser was the police horse!

Check out all 3 pages of photos starting here - http://www.strathmere.net/2011.html

Strathmere man, 92, still finding flounder: 'He knows how to find fish,' friend says

2011-07-04T14:09:00.001-05:00

From The Press of Atlantic City - http://www.pressofatlanticcity.com/sports/strathmere-man-still-finding-flounder-he-knows-how-to-find/article_f3d7370d-d14d-5352-9c21-50faad3c4748.html

Posted: Sunday, July 3, 2011 10:00 pm
By DAVID WEINBERG, Staff Writer pressofAtlanticCity.com

UPPER TOWNSHIP - Herb Hollinger ventured out to the back porch of his charming home on Prescott Avenue in Strathmere and breathed in the cool, salty air.
"We always seem to get a nice breeze here," the 92-year-old year-round resident said. "I think I only used my air conditioner two or three times all last summer."

Soon his attention turned to the rolls of 12-pound test fishing line on his specially marked table. In a few days, his oldest son, Herbie, would be in town at the house a block away from his father's place.
The two would team up with Hollinger's other son, Seaville resident Richie Hollinger, and spend Father's Day weekend like they spend most summer weekends - on the water fishing for flounder.
Make that catching flounder. He seldom leaves the dock without two or three keepers in the cooler.
Last month, he won third place in the senior division of his namesake tournament, the Herb Hollinger Sr. Season-Opening Flounder Tournament, sponsored by the Strathmere Fishing and Environmental Club.
Hollinger Sr. is such an adroit fisherman that he can even reel them in when there's fruit in Herbie's boat, a 17-foot Boston Whaler named "Midas Well." (Herbie owns two Midas auto-repair franchises).
"There's an old superstition that you should never have bananas in your boat when you go fishing," Hollinger said with a laugh. "But that never mattered to me. The important thing is to keep the boat moving and keep a tight line so you can feel the bite."

The great-grandfather owns almost 20 rods but usually relies on a custom-made, 6-feet, 6-inch model made by "a man in Vineland." He prefers minnows for bait but also uses mackerel, squid and herring. He believes in "feeding fish what they live on."
But the biggest key to successful fishing is to be where the flounder are biting. That's a rare talent.

"Here's the thing about flounder," said Frank Jankowski, owner of Frank's Boat Rentals in Strathmere. "They won't show up on a Fish Finder because they camouflage themselves on the bottom.

"God bless him, Herb's been doing it an awful long time, so he knows how to find the fish. But besides being a good fisherman, he's just such a nice guy. Whenever he drives by, he rolls down his window and we talk. Neither one of us can hear, though, so we have to raise our voices."

Fishing since 1927
Hollinger's life on the water is reflected on his skin. His thick forearms are dark and wrinkled from the salt and the sun, like the turtles that crawl across nearby Ocean Drive.

His fishing career began in 1927, when the Mauricetown, Cumberland County, native would tag along with older brothers Meryll and Jim down to the banks of the Maurice River, climb into their homemade boat and look for something for dinner.

"I couldn't wait for school to get out, so I could get my fishing pole and go down to the river," Hollinger said. "That's where I got my love for the water."

Hollinger went to school at Mauricetown Academy - a two-room schoolhouse for grades one through eight. Herb served as the unoffical janitor as a kid. After school, he would make sure the two coal stoves were filled and also sweep the floors. In return, each of the two teachers would pay him $2 a month, which he gave to his parents, Laura and Luther, to help feed the family.

When they weren't fishing, the kids flew kites and found other ways to entertain themselves.

"Once in a while, we'd accidentally catch a sturgeon," he said. "Sturgeons have really bulbous noses. If you cut them off and wait for them to dry and get hard, they bounce like rubber balls."

When the family moved to Pitman in 1933, the Hollinger boys fished in Alcyan Lake. Hollinger eventually fished in other, more exotic locales after joining the Navy in 1943.

While aboard the USS Bosque, he traveled to the Philippines, Okinawa and was involved in the occupation of Japan. After World War II ended, he spent the rest of his enlistment in San Francisco, where he would fish off a pier at San Francisco Bay.

"You could see the Golden Gate Bridge and Alcatraz (prison) in the distance," he said. "The water was cold and there were always these huge sharks swimming around. I can see why it was so hard to escape from Alcatraz."

Hollinger primarily focuses on flounder nowadays, but that wasn't always the case. Among the decorations on his walls is the first white marlin he ever caught, on July 4, 1976. Throughout the 1970s, he fished in various marlin and tuna tournaments up and down the East Coast and won his share of trophies.

He would have won one more except for some hunger pangs that struck his team.
"One day we were deep-sea fishing and caught a small tuna," he said. "We all liked tuna fish sandwiches, so I cleaned it, cut it up into small fillets, put it in the microwave and grabbed a nice loaf of rye bread. When we pulled into the dock at Ocean City, Md., we found out that no one else caught a single fish. Our little tuna would have won us $500."

A heavy heart
Fishing is not quite as enjoyable as it used to be since the death of his wife of 67 years, Bessie, almost two years ago from a massive stroke.
They and their family used to spend summer weekends and vacations at the cottage Herb built on 11th Street in Whale Beach - between Strathmere and Sea Isle City - and later relocated to Strathmere after the 1962 storm. After he retired from DuPont in 1981, Bessie insisted they move there permanently in 1984.
"She loved to fish, too," Hollinger said while a tear snaked down his cheek. "I remember one time we were fishing in Horse's Head near Sea Isle. Bessie didn't like to bait her own hook, so I would do it for her. I handed her the pole and turned back to mine and she yelled, 'I have one.' I put another minnow on her hook, turn back around and she yelled, 'I have another one.'

"She caught 14 flounder in a row before I even had a chance to put my line in the water. Then she had the nerve to turn to me and ask, 'How come you're not fishing?' And she made the best fillets you've ever tasted. Man, that was good eating."

He's caught more than his share of fish since then, despite the ever-expanding limits on flounder. Last weekend, Hollinger and his sons caught 15 flounder, including two keepers.
"I had a nice flounder dinner (last Sunday night)," he said while looking at a photo of his wife. "I just wish Bessie was here to make it. The average man takes for granted what his wife does for him. It's a lot harder when you have to do things yourself."

Contact David Weinberg:
609-272-7186
DWeinberg@pressofac.com

SIA Newsletter 6 30 11 - The Fourth of July Parade Is Monday!

2011-06-30T15:38:00.000-05:00

To all Strathmere and Whale Beach Homeowners and Visitors,

Get your floats, wagons, bikes and trikes ready for the Fourth of July Parade!

You have just this weekend to get those floats and bike decorations ready!

The parade will begin at 10:30. Registration will be at the Firehouse at 9:30 and judging will take place in the various north end streets at 10:00 am.
As always, awards and refreshments following the parade will be at the Deauville Inn.

NOTE: Please put both your trash and recycling out Sunday night. The Township will be making collections even earlier than usual Monday because of the parade!

In addition to our Strathmere caps ($15) and insulated bags ($5), those much-requested soft-sided Strathmere Coolers ($30) are back and will be available for purchase before and after the parade to benefit the SIA.

All three items (and a few "adult small" Strathmere tee shirts) are currently available at 212 Bayview Drive. Call 263-6846 to be sure we're home.

LOCAL AUTHORS WANTED! The Schiavo Library is looking for local authors for their First Local Authors Night, August 18, 2011, to display and discuss their books.
If you are interested in participating, please phone the Schiavo Library at (609) 486-6265 or email Christine, the library director at info@strathmerelibrary.org

Upcoming Events -
*Schiavo Library Second Anniversary Celebration, June 28 to July 2. Cupcakes and Balloons!

*SIA Meeting Friday, July 8, 8:00 pm - Beer Tasting with Philly Pretzels!

*Jane Shetler Women's Fishing Tournament and SFEC Summer Social Dinner Saturday, July 9. Limited tickets available!

* CFSWB Community Auction at the Firehouse, Saturday, July 23

*Lifeguards' Six Mile Bay Row, Tuesday July 26, beginning and ending at the Deauville

*SIA Meeting Friday, August 12, 8:00 pm - Fruit Festival! Bring your favorite "Jersey Fresh" fruit dish or drink.

*Kayak Festival and Races Saturday, August 13

*"Nightmare in Strathmere" Boat Parade, 6:30, Saturday, August 27

*Kids' Surf Fishing Tournament, Saturday, September 3, 9:00 am

*SIA Meeting Friday, September 9, 8:00 pm

*Last day of Flounder Season, Sunday, September 25

*Services at the Strathmere United Methodist Church every Sunday to September 25: 9:15 Hymn Sing; 9:30 Service.

And at all times, check out Carol Baker's wonderful Strathmere website at http://www.strathmere.net/ You can also check out her Strathmere Blog - http://www.strathmere.blogspot.com/

Thanks to everyone who has sent us their dues payment. Remember, it's just $10 per adult family member, and you can send it to SIA at PO Box 57 in Strathmere.
If you missed it, we sent out the Trash Regulations with our June 8 Newsletter. If you want another copy, respond to this newsletter.

The Strathmere Improvement Association includes all owners and many visitors to Strathmere and Whale Beach. It was founded over 50 years ago as a community organization with the objective of making Strathmere a better place. We are proud of the organization's many accomplishments over the years. The dues and fund raisers provide for, among other things, funding the Fourth of July Parade, and our share of the Christmas Party. In the past, we've also donated money to help pay for extra State Police protection. If you have adult children or relatives (or visitors) who visit Strathmere, please forward this message to them - perhaps they'd like to be members and receive these e-mail messages also.
You can contact us by responding to this e-mail sia6@comcast.net or by mailing SIA at PO Box 57 in Strathmere.

Thanks to all for your continuing support!

Butch Vandegrift - President
Linda Bateman -Vice-President
Donna Diefenderfer - Treasurer
Dorothy Addario - Recording Secretary
Ken Weaver - Corresponding Secretary

Stop at the Alex's Lemonade Stand on July 4th - 508 Bayview

2011-06-29T07:04:00.000-05:00

Hi All!!
The Sherman/Sumner/Bayview Kids (previously of Gilligan's Island fame) will be hosting an Alex's Lemonade Stand to benefit childhood cancer research on Monday July 4th at 508 Bayview.
We will be hawking our goods before, during and after the parade. We have lemonades and other treats available for a donation.

Come cool off on the final leg of the parade. Let's beat cancer.....one cup of lemonade at a time!

Stephensons, Kubiaks and Coopers

SIA Newsletter 6 22 11 - The Fourth of July Parade Is Coming!

2011-06-22T08:08:00.000-05:00

To all Strathmere and Whale Beach Homeowners and Visitors,
Get your floats, wagons, bikes and trikes ready for the Fourth of July Parade!
The parade is less than two weeks away, so get your ideas working and get those floats and bike decorations ready!

The parade will begin at 10:30. Registration will be at the Firehouse at 9:30 and judging will take place in the various north end streets at 10:00 am.
As always, awards and refreshments following the parade will be at the Deauville Inn.

Strathmere caps ($15) and insulated bags ($5) will be available for purchase before and after the parade to benefit the SIA.

Both items are currently available at 212 Bayview Drive. Call 263-6846 to be sure we're home.

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

Don't miss the big Flounder Tournament this Saturday. Sponsored by the SFEC, but open to all, get more information HERE

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

Do you have a boat in Strathmere? The Coast Guard Auxiliary, in conjunction with the SFEC, is sponsoring a Free Boat Inspection this Sunday morning at the former Corson's Inlet Marina (Bayview at Putnam). More info HERE .

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

*Schiavo Library Second Anniversary Celebration, June 28 to July 2. Cupcakes and Balloons!
SIA Meeting Friday, July 8, 8:00 pm - Beer Tasting with Philly Pretzels!

*Jane Shetler Women's Fishing Tournament and SFEC Summer Social Dinner Saturday , July 9. Limited tickets available!

* CFSWB Community Auction at the Firehouse, Saturday, July 23

*SIA Meeting Friday, August 12, 8:00 pm - Fruit Festival! Bring your favorite "Jersey Fresh" fruit dish or drink.

*Kayak Races Saturday, August 13 (date tentative). Check UTBP website when updated for confirmation: http://utbp.wordpress.com/

*"Nightmare in Strathmere" Boat Parade, 6:30, Saturday, August 27

*Kids' Surf Fishing Tournament, Saturday, September 3, 9:00 am

*SIA Meeting Friday, September 9, 8:00 pm

*Last day of Flounder Season, Sunday, September 25

*Services at the Strathmere United Methodist Church every Sunday to September 25: 9:15 Hymn Sing; 9:30 Service.

And at all times, check out Carol Baker's wonderful Strathmere website at http://www.strathmere.net/
You can also check out her Strathmere Blog - http://www.strathmere.blogspot.com/

Thanks to everyone who has sent us their dues payment. Remember, it's just $10 per adult family member, and you can send it to SIA at PO Box 57 in Strathmere.

The Strathmere Improvement Association includes all owners and many visitors to Strathmere and Whale Beach. It was founded over 50 years ago as a community organization with the objective of making Strathmere a better place. We are proud of the organization's many accomplishments over the years. The dues and fund raisers provide for, among other things, funding the Fourth of July Parade, and our share of the Christmas Party. In the past, we've also donated money to help pay for extra State Police protection. If you have adult children or relatives (or visitors) who visit Strathmere, please forward this message to them - perhaps they'd like to be members and receive these e-mail messages also.

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

Thanks to all for your continuing support!

Butch Vandegrift - President
Linda Bateman -Vice-President
Donna Diefenderfer - Treasurer
Dorothy Addario - Recording Secretary
Ken Weaver - Corresponding Secretary

Schiavo Library: June 2011 Newsletter

2011-06-08T13:32:00.000-05:00

Schiavo Library: June 2011 Newsletter
Second Anniversary Celebration:
CUPCAKES and BALLOONS – that’s how we’ll celebrate our second anniversary all week June28 - July 2. Yes, the Rita C. Schiavo Library is two years old. Please come in and help us celebrate.

June 15th:
Join Captain Sinn as he remembers the sinking of the General Slocum. There will be a ceremony on the beach at Prescott at 10:00am. Afterwards, Captain Sinn will be inside the library to answer questions and share his wealth of information about the tragic event.

Crafts in the Summer:
Do you have a craft that you would like to share? We will be hosting some craft sessions this summer and would love to add you to our list of instructors.
In July, I will be instructing two lessons on bead jewelry: Making bead earrings & making a bead bracelet: dates TBA

Teen Zone:
Our teens and tweens are already enjoying their special space at the library:

Schiavo Library Merchandize:
Stop in this summer and discover our great selection of merchandise featuring the Schiavo Library logo:

T-shirts: short sleeve $12 and long sleeve $15
Mug: $20
Book tote: $10
Hat: $12

See you soon!
Christine Rohrman, Library Director
http://www.strathmerelibrary.org/

SIA Newsletter 6 8 11 - Meeting Friday Evening; Yard Sale Saturday Morning; Trash Collection Info; Dues Are Due!

2011-06-08T10:32:00.000-05:00

To all Strathmere and Whale Beach Homeowners and Visitors,

On Friday Evening, June 10 at 8:00 pm, we will have our first SIA Meeting of the year - a "Welcome Back" Wine & Cheese Party. Please come!
Then, on Saturday morning, June 11, from 8:00 am until noon, the SIA will be sponsoring a "Yard Sale" at the Firehouse! Come on over and find some "shore bargains"!
We'll have Strathmere caps for sale, and a few tee shirts that did not sell last year. We'll also have some new, surprise 2011 items!

In addition to finding some treasures on our many tables, enjoy mingling with your neighbors and refreshments for everyone!
We still have a few tables not yet spoken for, if you have some goodies that you just don't need anymore... Call or e-mail Linda at 263-4117 or lcbateman@comcast.net or Janet Mahley at 856-423-5543 with questions or to reserve a table.
If you'd like to help out, we need some volunteers to help set up at 7:15. You'll be all done in about 20 minutes!

Email - Strathmere Improvement Association sia6@comcast.net for copies of trash collection and yard debris collection info to post on your refrigerator or elsewhere.

Thanks to everyone who has sent us their dues payment. Remember, it's just $10 per adult family member, and you can send it to SIA at PO Box 57 in Strathmere, or bring it to the Firehouse at the meeting or yard sale.
Thanks to all for your continuing support!
Butch Vandegrift - President
Linda Bateman -Vice-President
Donna Diefenderfer - Treasurer
Dorothy Addario - Recording Secretary
Ken Weaver - Corresponding Secretary

SIA Newsletter 6-5-11 - Struthers Dunn Obituary

2011-06-05T15:05:00.000-05:00

Many people in Strathmere know Struthers and Judy Dunn, who have a home on North Bayview Drive.

Judy has asked that we circulate Struthers' obituary, as follows:

John Struthers Dunn Jr., 82, died May 28, 2011, at Kindred Hospital in Melbourne.
He was born in Philadelphia and lived in Vero Beach for 15 years, coming from Moorestown, N.J. He was president and CEO of Struthers-Dunn Inc. of Pitman, N.J., a manufacturer of electrical components used in the auto, defense and aviation industries. He served on the boards of the Davidson School of Media, Pa., and the Children's Seashore House. He was a member of the Racquet Club of Philadelphia and The Moorings Club and Community Church, both of Vero Beach. He graduated from Germantown Friends School and received bachelor degrees from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute and the University of Pennsylvania.
Survivors include his wife of 58 years, Judy; daughter, Elizabeth Ross of Washington, D.C.; sons, Robert II of Mickleton, N.J., Gerritt of Denver, David of Fullerton, Calif., and Jonathan of San Diego; eight grandchildren; and three great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his sister, Marguerite Scott. Memorial contributions may be made to the music department of the Community Church of Vero Beach, 1901 23rd St., Vero Beach, FL 32960. Services: A memorial service will be at 11 a.m. June 17 in the Grace Chapel of the Community Church in Vero Beach. Arrangements are by Thomas S. Lowther Funeral Home & Crematory in Vero Beach. A guestbook is available at http://www.lowtherfuneralhome.com/.

Judy Dunn
3939 Ocean Ave
Vero Beach, FL
32963-5407

Butch Vandegrift - President

Linda Bateman -Vice-President
Donna Diefenderfer - Treasurer
Dorothy Addario - Recording Secretary
Ken Weaver - Corresponding Secretary

SIA Newsletter 6 2 11 - Meeting on June 10; Yard Sale on Saturday June 11!!

2011-06-02T16:05:00.000-05:00

To all Strathmere and Whale Beach Homeowners and Visitors,
On Friday Evening, June 10 at 8:00 pm, we will have our first SIA Meeting of the year - a "Welcome Back" Wine & Cheese Party. Please come!

Then, on Saturday morning, June 11, from 8:00 am until noon, the SIA will be sponsoring a "Yard Sale" at the Firehouse!

Come on over and find some "shore bargains"!
In addition to finding some treasures on our many tables, enjoy mingling with your neighbors and refreshments for everyone!
We still have a few tables not yet spoken for, if you have some goodies that you just don't need anymore...

Call or e-mail Linda at 263-4117 or lcbateman@comcast.net or Janet Mahley at 856-423-5543 with questions or to reserve a table.

If you'd like to help out, we need some volunteers to help set up at 7:15. You'll be all done in about 20 minutes!

Here are a few pictures of last year's event:

Happy Belated Birthday Cassie Andress!

2011-05-27T10:49:00.000-05:00

Cassie Andress Fox celebrated her 80th birthday back on March 28th of this year, by visiting the beach in Strathmere with her daughter Sandy Fox Hall. Cassie Andress, along with her brother Ed, were both born in their family's Bayview home in Strathmere.
Daughter Sandy sent the photo and said "I couldn't have thought of a better place to go then where she grew up and I had spent so much of my time."

Strathmere Improvement Association - May 24th 2011 Newsletter

2011-05-25T08:44:00.000-05:00

To all Strathmere and Whale Beach Homeowners and Visitors:

In this issue: Memorial Day Weekend Is Coming!
Book Sale and Citizens' Meeting Scheduled
SIA Meeting Schedule; Calendar of Upcoming Events; Babysitting; Dues Are Due

We had a taste of summer in Strathmere on Tuesday as the temperature went up to 83 or so. The weekend looks great, with temperatures again close to 80, mostly clear, marred only by the threat of a thundershower or two each day.
Please remember the reason for Monday's Holiday - to honor those in the military who gave their lives in the service of our country. Please fly your flag and take some time to remember and honor those who fell.

On a more mundane note, both trash and recycling will be picked up Monday morning.

We're sending this newsletter by e-mail to as many of you as possible. This year we do not expect to send postcards, although the SIA officers will meet this Friday to finalize that and other decisions.

SIA Meeting Schedule - All Are Welcome: We will be meeting at the Firehouse at 8:00 pm on the second Friday of each month; June 10, July 8, August 12 and September 9. The June meeting will once again be a wine and cheese tasting event!

Upcoming Events (mark your calendars):
*Used book sale at the Schiavo Library, May 26 to June 4 - and check out all the new books! http://www.strathmerelibrary.org/

*Citizens for Strathmere & Whale Beach Meeting, 11:00 am, Saturday, May 28 at the Firehouse http://www.cfswb.com/

*Services at the Strathmere United Methodist Church begin this Sunday May 29 and every Sunday to September 25: 9:15 Hymn Sing; 9:30 Service. The new minister is the Rev. Jack Howard.His wife Linda is the organist. Please come and say, "Hello".

*Trash and Recycling will be picked up on Monday morning May 30 (Memorial Day)

*Lifeguards begin in Strathmere on Saturday, June 4

*Strathmere Ensemble Concert at the new Sea Isle City Bandshell at 8:00 pm Saturday, June 4

*SIA Meeting Friday, June 10, 8:00 pm - please come share wine (some beer too?) and cheese with us!

*SFEC Flounder Tournament, Saturday, June 25

*Fourth of July Parade: Monday July 4, 9:30am - Registration; 10:00 - Judging; 10:30am - Parade Starts

*SIA Meeting Friday, July 8, 8:00 pm

*Jane Shetler Women's Fishing Tournament and SFEC Summer Social Dinner Saturday, July 9 http://www.strathmerefishing.org/

*CFSWB Community Auction at the Firehouse, Saturday, July 23
http://www.cfswb.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=60:2010-auction&catid=9:auction&Itemid=19

*SIA Meeting Friday, August 12, 8:00 pm

*Kayak Races Saturday, August 13 (date tentative). Check UTBP website when updated for confirmation: http://utbp.wordpress.com/

*"Nightmare in Strathmere" Boat Parade, 6:30, Saturday, August 27

*Kids' Surf Fishing Tournament, Saturday, September 3, 9:00 am

*SIA Meeting Friday, September 9, 8:00 pm

*Last day of Flounder Season, Sunday, September 25

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

Babysitting: We had a member ask for the names of babysitters and we made that request in a previous newsletter. We have received the names of several potential babysitters and will provide that information upon request. Just reply to sia6@comcast.net

Stock up on Strathmere "Stuff": Last year we offered tee shirts, caps and visors, and sold out of almost everything. This year, we'll again be offering Strathmere caps ($15) and visors ($12). Strathmere "stuff" may be purchased at 212 Bayview Drive.
Dues are due at $10 annually per adult. The dues and the fund raisers provide for the Fourth of July Parade and our share of the Star Party and Christmas Party. We have also donated money to help pay for extra State Police protection. If you have adult children or relatives (or visitors) who visit Strathmere, please forward this message to them - perhaps they'd like to be members and receive these e-mail messages also.
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 sia6@comcast.net or by mailing SIA at PO Box 57.

Thanks to all for your continuing support!

Butch Vandegrift - President
Linda Bateman -Vice-President
Donna Diefenderfer - Treasurer
Dorothy Addario - Recording Secretary
Ken Weaver - Corresponding Secretary

Strathmere Improvement Association Newsletter - May 5, 2011

2011-05-06T06:18:00.000-05:00

In this issue: Strathmere Is Coming Back to Life (More Openings); Flounder Season Starts Saturday (NJ Registration Required)

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In addition to those openings we mentioned (below) last week, Stephanie wants everyone to know that the Old Shack will be open weekends starting this Saturday. The Whale Creek Marina has been open right along, and Frank's Boats will also open Saturday for the start of Flounder Season.

We are seeing lots of signs of the approaching summer season. Frank's boats are in the water; almost all of the trailers are back; the Deauville is now open seven days a week; Mildred's is open three days; Twistie's and Uncle Bill's will open Mothers' Day weekend; and La Fontana, which is having a new septic system installed, is hoping to open Mothers' Day weekend (they are also opening a new restaurant at 50th Street in Sea Isle).

As you may have seen here on the Strathmere Blog, the Strathmere Motel has been sold and is undergoing extensive renovations with plans to reopen in May.

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Speaking of Flounder Season, the DEP Commissioner signed new regulations April 29, and the season runs from May 7 until September 25 with a limit of 8 fish at a minimum of 18 inches in length. The season is more than a month and half longer than last year when the limit was 6 fish per day.

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If you do plan to fish in New Jersey tidal waters (the bay or the ocean) this year (and are 16 or older), be advised that NJ recently implemented the free NJ Saltwater Recreational Registry Program (NJSRRP). Prior to going out fishing you need to register with the NJSRRP. Registration is only available online at http://www.nj.gov/dep/saltwaterregistry/index.html . This program was established to exempt NJ anglers and for-hire vessels from registering with the federal survey and the $15.00 fee now associated with that registry.

Note: those who previously registered with the federal program or have a valid fishing license from another exempted state are still required to register with NJ's program.

The DEP's new regulation indicates that any person in violation of not being registered with the state of New Jersey, or failure to have their registry card in possession may be liable for a penalty of not less than $300 or more than $3,000 for the first offense, and not less than $500 or more than $5,000 for any subsequent offense.

We doubt that there will be stringent enforcement at first, but registering is fast, easy and free, so go ahead and do it and don't take any chances! Just go to http://www.nj.gov/dep/saltwaterregistry/index.html The page there includes information on who must register. Don't forget to print out your registration card!

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The Strathmere Improvement Association includes all owners in Strathmere and Whale Beach and many visitors. It was founded over 50 years ago 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.

Once again, thanks for your continuing support!

Butch Vandegrift - President
Linda Bateman -Vice-President
Donna Diefenderfer - Treasurer
Dorothy Addario - Recording Secretary
Ken Weaver - Corresponding Secretary

Schiavo Library: May 2011 Newsletter

2011-05-05T13:51:00.000-05:00

May Events:
Our main event in May is the USED BOOK SALE which will start on May 26 and go through June 4. We have a great selection of books – hardbound, paperback and children’s. Stop in, browse and buy!!

Think Green:
Even though Earth Day is past, here are some great websites for Earth day or any day:

http://www.footprintnetwork.org/ (cool global footprint calculator)
http://www.wetlandsinstitute.org/ (check out their live camera on a nearby osprey nest)

A magazine with advice about living green is Natural Home - http://www.naturalhomemagazine.com/
A book to help you live green: Ed Begley, Jr.’s 'Guide to Sustainable Living'
And JUST FOR FUN read 'Earth' by Jon Stewart

Baseball:
Baseball season is here! Thanks to a local resident, we’re featuring a new display of signed pictures of players and signed baseballs from various teams. It’s a great collection – stop in and see.

Summer Programs:
We’re adding some new programs this summer: a Lego Club for children, a teen summer reading program and game night, Book Bingo, a summer movie series and craft classes for adults, and a local authors’ night (date TBA). We’ll still have our popular programs from last year. Brochures will be available at the end of May or beginning of June.
Star Volunteer:

In honor of National Library Week, Marion Ingram was recognized as a Star Volunteer and her photo was featured on the National Library Workers Day website of the ALA. Congratulations and many thanks Marion!

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

Strathmere Improvement Association Newsletter - 4/29/11

2011-04-30T08:51:00.000-05:00

In this issue: Strathmere Is Coming Back to Life; School Elections; Bertha's Alley; Beach Erosion; Pedestrian Safety; Health & Welfare

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We are seeing lots of signs of the approaching summer season. Frank's boats are in the water; almost all of the trailers are back; the Deauville is now open seven days a week; Mildred's is open three days; Twistie's and Uncle Bill's will open Mothers' Day weekend; and La Fontana, which is having a new septic system installed, is hoping to open Mothers' Day weekend (they are also opening a new restaurant at 50th Street in Sea Isle).
As you may have seen here on the Strathmere Blog, the Strathmere Motel has been sold and is undergoing extensive renovations with plans to reopen in May.

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

School elections were held this past Wednesday. The Upper Township school budget of $22 million was defeated 1064 to 773 (58% against) and the $9.5 million bond question to renovate the middle and primary schools was defeated 1076 to 713 (60% against). The Township Committee will now have to decide what to do about the budget. The School Board has not decided how to proceed with its plan to replace the elementary school for $38 million.

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Upper Township honored Bertha Wittkamp (our former Secretary Debbie Vandergrift's Aunt) by naming the alley south of West Seacliff after her. Bertha was the first baby born in Strathmere and lived here her entire life. See story with more details here. Our thanks to Sam Baker and Carol Baker for making this honor happen!

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If you get the Citizens' Newsletter, you probably saw these two pictures taken by Ted Kingston. The first was taken just after the beach replenishment and the second last month. The loss of beach over that time is clearly shown.

October 6, 2009...

March 17, 2011

With that loss and full moon tides coming in late April, we sent additional pictures and questions to the Township Engineer, with the following responses:
+++++++

Monday, 4/11 (to the Township Engineer)

Last week a couple of guys stopped in at the library here and asked for "City Hall". When informed it was over in Petersburg, they admitted they just wanted to use the bathroom.
After doing that, they said they worked for FEMA and had been down checking the beach. They said that money had been appropriated to restore the beach from storm damage, but that we never picked up on it and now they will have to re-apply. What's going on? Did we actually lose the money? Looks like we really need it.
These pictures were taken at Seaview around 1:30 today - about one hour before high tide, which is predicted to be only a 3.0 foot high tide.

As you can see, the ocean has washed away a huge amount of beach at Seaview, and that bank is rapidly approaching the snow fence and dune grass you installed.
Next week (Friday, 4/15 to Thursday, 4/21 - full moon is 4/17) they are predicting high tides of from 4.6 feet to 5.3 feet, with four days of high tides over five feet - and that's with no storm or northeast wind! That's two feet higher than what you see here.

Is there some (legal) way you can move some sand from the huge beach at Webster, where presumably the sand is going, up to Seaview to prevent damage there? Seems like a shame to lose what was built and planted there....

+++++++

Response (Tuesday, 4/12):

We have been watching the several small storms and full moons continue to erode the beach at Seaview.
Regarding the FEMA funding, we have not lost any funding from the storms last year. We have been waiting for FEMA & the State OEM to tell us that the disaster funds were authorized and we would be reimbursed. Because of the new federal disaster declaration for the December 26 & 27 Blizzard, the funding from the earlier storms will be rolled into the newer storm declaration.
We are hopeful that we will receive authorization from FEMA and the State OEM for a beachfill project in the fall.
We will be having discussions with the NJDEP and USFWS about moving sand but we need to consult with them because of the piping plover nesting season. There is already one pair starting to nest in the natural area and there was one other pair looking near Williams. IF the second pair does nest near Williams it will severely limit what we can do.
If you have any other questions please let me know.

+++++++

Our reply (Friday, 4/15): (to the Township Engineer)

I don't know about the piping plovers, but here's how Seaview looked at high tide this (Friday) evening. You've already lost one line of snow fence and there should probably be some kind of "hazard tape" to keep people from wandering off that cliff at the end of the path... If we get the (now) predicted seven-foot tide tomorrow evening we'll lose lots more.

Tuesday, 4/19 - (to the Township Engineer)
Now that the beach access at Seaview is closed because of the storm damage, will the Township be doing work to get that access opened again?

+++++++

Response, Tuesday, 4/19

Probably not because of the nesting birds. We will continue to monitor & take steps as necessary if erosion worsens.

+++++++

Currently, beach access at Seaview is closed

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Crosswalks: The Township did place several of these pedestrian warnings on Commonwealth, and they seem to be helping to "calm" traffic.
In the background, you can see County work going on to improve drainage along the bridge approach. That contract is also supposed to include a marked crosswalk at Williard when the other work completes.

Health and Welfare: Our SIA President Butch Vandegrift underwent major (six-hour) surgery on April 13 at Presbyterian Hospital in Philadelphia. He is now recovering slowly but surely at home. We all wish Butch the very best!

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

The Strathmere Improvement Association includes all owners in Strathmere and Whale Beach and many visitors. It was founded over 50 years ago 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.

Once again, thanks for your continuing support!

Butch Vandegrift - President
Linda Bateman -Vice-President
Donna Diefenderfer - Treasurer
Dorothy Addario - Recording Secretary
Ken Weaver - Corresponding Secretary

Bertha Wittkamp Alley in Strathmere!

2011-04-26T09:12:00.000-05:00

Last night the Upper Township voted 'Yes' on our request to rename the alley that runs from Commonwealth to Bayview between Wintrhop and Seacliff, in honor of Bertha Wittkamp, who was the first baby born in Strathmere and lived here her entire life until her death in 1991.

The following story appeared in the Atlantic City Press online. I want to note a few mistakes in the story up front though.
Under her photo on the AC Press website, it states that she "was the only resident to have been born and lived in Strathmere her entire life" - Her younger brother Harlan Wittkamp was also born in Strathmere and lived here his entire life too.
Later it says "Wittkamp and her younger brother, Harlan, attended a one-room schoolhouse off Commonwealth Avenue that later became her cottage home. The Township Committee named the alley behind the cottage after Wittkamp." They did attend the one room schoolhouse in Strathmere, but Bertha never lived there. Bertha's cottage was a boathouse on the family's Winthrop property that was coverted to living quaters. The alley that is being named for Bertha runs behind that cottage, not the old schoolhouse.
Also, parades were not held specifically in Bertha's homor. She rode in several 4th of July Parades in the 1980s as 'Strathmere's First Baby'

Below is the story from the Press of Atlantic City -

Posted: Monday, April 25, 2011 11:44 pm

Upper Township honors Strathmere’s ‘first baby’ by naming street in her honor By MICHAEL MILLER Staff Writer pressofAtlanticCity.com

UPPER TOWNSHIP — Township Committee on Monday named a road in Strathmere after the late Bertha Wittkamp, who lived all of her 89 years on the island.

Wittkamp was the first baby born in Strathmere in 1901, a time when few homes on this island overgrown with beach plums and salt hay had electricity or indoor plumbing.

Her family moved to this oceanfront section of Upper Township — known then as Corsons Inlet — in the 1880s from Philadelphia. Wittkamp’s father worked for West Jersey Railroad, which had a rail line that stretched through neighboring Ocean City to Strathmere.

Wittkamp’s parents built a hotel called the West Jersey Cottage next to the rail line. The hotel served fishermen who were drawn to the island for its reputation for “channel bass,” said Samuel Baker, who studies township history.

Wittkamp’s father ran the hotel and served as the railroad’s bridge-tender and Strathmere station master.

“When she was a child, she broke her arm and had to take the train to a doctor in Ocean City,” Baker’s daughter, Carol, said.

Life on a secluded barrier island could be difficult. Residents largely were at the mercy of coastal storms and blizzards.

“They were hard stock,” she said. “That’s just how they were raised.”

Wittkamp and her younger brother, Harlan, attended a one-room schoolhouse off Commonwealth Avenue that later became her cottage home. The Township Committee named the alley behind the cottage after Wittkamp. For decades, residents in Strathmere called it Bertha’s Alley.

She worked at the Woodbine Developmental Center, a public home for developmentally disabled men, for 20 years. And she worked as a nurse at a hospital in Sea Isle City.

She was a member of the local Methodist church. Despite the island’s privations, she remained very social, Samuel Baker said.

His family bought Wittkamp’s property but allowed her to live in the back cottage until her death in 1991. In her later years, the township celebrated Wittkamp’s faithfulness to the island with parades. And the township named a Strathmere Beach Patrol boat after Harlan Wittkamp.

Samuel Baker said he thought the street would be a fitting tribute. He and several Strathmere residents suggested the idea to the committee.

“We wanted something to remember her by,” he said.

Wittkamp was buried at a cemetery on the mainland in Dennis Township, having spent virtually all of her days on the island.

Contact Michael Miller:

609-463-6712

MMiller@pressofac.com

Read the story here - Upper Township honors Strathmere’s ‘first baby’ by naming street in her honor

Strathmere Motel and some beach videos

2011-04-17T16:26:00.001-05:00

Let's start with the positive first. In case you didn't hear, the Strathmere Motel sold over the Winter! The new owners took possession and they starting to fix it up and it's already looking better. On the outside, they replaced shingles and painted. They've put in new windows and doors and now they've started painting the trim dark green, along with the new exterior doors.
I don't know if work has started inside yet, but I hear that the plans are to paint the rooms and get new carpet and new beds. The sign in the window says that they plan to be open sometime in May.

Now the not so good. We had a pretty rough storm last night and it washed out more of the ocean side of the point, which had already been gradually washing out since last June .

The first video below is straight out on the Point, looking north and side to side. The bay side has washed out a little, but towards the ocean the point is really starting to wash out in an angle, towards the bay.

When you go out to the beach from Seacliff, the beach is really looking bad. The video below is rough, sorry. It was windy and I couldn't see what I was filming due to the glare on my camera screen. Two guys where out there, they appeared to be fixing or doing something to the split rail fence at the Seaview entrance. The dune there was washed right out from under part of the fence, leaving it hanging in the air. A lot of pilings are showing again, some more than 3 feet. There is about a 4 foot cliff-drop from the dune at Seaview and north from there.

South from this point, the beach and dunes still look good. For now.

Strathmere Improvement Association Newsletter - Tidal Flooding Predicted Saturday!

2011-04-15T17:43:00.000-05:00

The National Weather Service has issued a Coastal Flood Watch for tomorrow, Saturday April 16.

MODERATE TIDAL FLOODING IS QUITE POSSIBLE AROUND THE SATURDAY EVENING HIGH TIDE.
HIGH TIDE IN STRATHMERE WILL OCCUR AROUND 7:30 PM.

IN ATLANTIC CITY... NEW JERSEY (OCEANFRONT)... HIGH TIDE OCCURS AT 6:57 PM... WITH A FORECAST TIDE LEVEL NEAR 7.0 FEET ABOVE MEAN LOWER LOW WATER.
AT CAPE MAY... NEW JERSEY (OCEANFRONT)... HIGH TIDE OCCURS AT 7:31 PM... WITH A FORECAST TIDE LEVEL OF 7.5 TO 8.0 FEET ABOVE MEAN LOWER LOW WATER

Note that "Moderate" tidal flooding can be pretty high along Bayview. It's one-up from "Minor" which covers that street and many driveways....
Do not leave your car along Bayview Drive in normally flooding areas tomorrow evening!

Street named in honor of Bertha Wittkamp - from the Upper Township Gazette

2011-04-10T07:57:00.000-05:00

from the Upper Township Gazette - http://www.shorenewstoday.com/index.php/upper-township/upper-township/10571-street-named-in-honor-of-bertha-wittkamp.html

Street named in honor of Bertha Wittkamp

Written by Staff Reports
Tuesday, 05 April 2011 14:04

STRATHMERE – Township committee voted at its last meeting in March to name the alley that runs from Commonwealth Drive to Bayview Drive, between Winthrop Road and Seacliff Road in Strathmere “Bertha Wittkamp Alley.”

According to a letter sent to committee members by Strathmere residents, Wittkamp was a lifelong resident of Strathmere. Her parents Gus and Carrie Wittkamp came to Strathmere in the late 1800s and owned the West Jersey Cottage, a hotel that used to be bay front on Winthrop Road.
Gus was also the station manager for the West Jersey Railroad train stop in Strathmere.
Their daughter Bertha was born in the West Jersey Cottage in 1901, making her the first baby born in Strathmere. Her brother Harlan was also born there two years later; the township has already named a lifeboat after him.
Bertha and Harlan attended the one room schoolhouse in Strathmere. The family owned and ran the West Jersey Cottage from the late 1880s to the 1940s. Bertha’s niece still lives year-round in Strathmere.
Bertha was a nurse who worked at the hospital in Sea Isle City. She lived her entire life in Strathmere telling of when it was covered in beach plums and cows grazed freely. She also remembered when soldiers were stationed in Strathmere to patrol the beaches during both World Wars, according to the letter.
She lived her entire life on Winthrop Road, first in the family hotel, then in the hotel annex next door, and then finally in the boathouse on what will now be called “Bertha Wittkamp Alley.”
Over the years, many people in town referred to her as ‘Aunt Bertha’ and she rode in an antique car in the Strathmere 4th of July Parade, honored as being the first baby born in Strathmere.

Bertha passed away in 1991.

Schiavo Library: April 2011 Newsletter

2011-04-05T14:21:00.001-05:00

Schiavo Library: April 2011Newsletter

April Events:
April 10-16 - National Library Week
April 12 - National Library Workers Day (thank a favorite library worker!)
April 13 - Snapshot Day (statistic gathering to show a typical day in the libraries of New Jersey)

What’s Happening at our Library:
We’ve added more shelving and lots of books and DVD’s.
Look at our new section of the library – our TEEN ZONE! (Tweens also welcome!)

Some of Our New Titles:
The Silent Season of a Hero by Gay Talese (from Ocean City)
And Furthermore by Judi Dench
The Last Time I Saw You by Elizabeth Berg
My Father’s Tears by John Updike
The Imperfectionists by Tom Rachman

Do You Like Baseball?
Then play “Step Up to the Plate” at ALA’s website: www.ala.org/baseball Just answer a set of trivia questions about baseball and become eligible to win a trip to the Baseball Hall of Fame. And stop in to see our baseball card display – coming soon!

May 26 – June 4th: Used Book Sale (save the date)

Library Director’s Note:
I’m working on our summer programming -brochures available in May. See you soon!

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

Upper Township to name road after lifelong Strathmere resident Bertha Wittkamp

2011-03-31T08:19:00.000-05:00

This story appears in the 3/31/11 edition of The Press of Atlantic City

Posted: Thursday, March 31, 2011 12:16 am

Upper Township to name road after lifelong Strathmere resident Bertha Wittkamp

By MICHAEL MILLER - Staff Writer http://www.pressofatlanticcity.com/

UPPER TOWNSHIP - The Township Committee plans to honor the late Bertha Wittkamp, one of the few people known to have been born and to have lived lifelong in Strathmere.
The committee is naming an alley off Winthrop Avenue for Wittkamp, who died in 1991 at age 89.
Local residents have been calling this road near the bay "Bertha's Alley" for decades, township resident and local historian Sam Baker said.
Wittkamp was the first known baby to be born in Strathmere in 1901. She was followed soon after by her younger brother, Harlan. Her family moved from Philadelphia to Strathmere in the 1880s because her father suffered from respiratory problems and the salt air was considered a good cure, Baker said.
Her father worked for the West Jersey Railroad, which at the time had a rail line that went to Strathmere. The family built a hotel called the West Jersey Cottage.

"He ran the hotel and worked as the railroad bridge-tender and station master for the West Jersey Railroad in Strathmere," Baker said.

In a 1988 interview, Wittkamp talked about growing up on an island without paved roads or cars, where goats grazed and she attended a one-room schoolhouse.
"We used to raise some pigs here when we were kids," she said. "And we had chickens. Oh, my heavens, did we have chickens. We had ducks and geese, too. And down toward the beach we'd go out and dig soft-shell clams."

Mayor Richard Palombo said while it is not unusual for people to grow up and settle down in Cape May County for their entire lives, this is unusual for Strathmere. About 100 people call this island their year-round home.
"To have been born and stayed in the same area is pretty amazing," Palombo said.

Wittkamp worked for 20 years at the Woodbine Developmental Center in Woodbine, a state home for developmentally disabled men, and as a nurse at a hospital in Sea Isle City.
She was a member of the Strathmere United Methodist Church, her obituary said.
Baker said living in Strathmere was not always as easy in Wittkamp's youth as it is today. The main road into town often flooded. Few businesses were open except in the summertime. To have lived there at the turn of the century through coastal storms and winter isolation is remarkable, he said.
"When winter comes, there's nothing there," Baker said. "Years ago, every store would close up. You had to travel inland to buy anything."
Baker said Wittkamp lived alone but was hardly a hermit. She loved going to parties.
"All her friends would stop in. Every day of the week, she'd have a half-dozen people stop in," she said. "People used to refer to her as Aunt Bertha."
"The Wittkamps are one of the original families who settled in Strathmere," the mayor said. "Basically people who grow up at the shore have sand in their shoes and never want to leave."
And that was the case with Wittkamp, she told a reporter in 1988.
"I love Strathmere," she said. "It's altogether different. But this is a friendly town and people always help each other. People like this town. They really do."

Press librarian Martha Zechman contributed to this report.
Contact Michael Miller:
609-463-6712
MMiller@pressofac.com

Bertha Wittkamp Alley

2011-03-28T13:23:00.001-05:00

A letter has been sent to the Upper Township Committee with a request to name an alley in Strathmere after Bertha Wittkamp.
Here is a copy of the letter with details on just who Bertha was -

'Upper Township Committee - To whom it may concern,
We would like to propose that the alley that runs from Commonwealth Drive to Bayview Drive, between Winthrop Road and Seacliff Road in Strathmere be officially named ‘Bertha Wittkamp Alley’ in honor of lifelong Strathmere resident Bertha Wittkamp.

Bertha’s parents Gus and Carrie Wittkamp came to Strathmere in the late 1800s and they owned the West Jersey Cottage, a hotel that used to be bayfront on Winthrop Road. Gus was also the station manager for the West Jersey Railroad train stop in Strathmere. Their daughter Bertha was born in the West Jersey Cottage in 1901, making her the first baby born in Strathmere. Brother Harlan was also born there 2 years later. Bertha & Harlan attended the one room schoolhouse in Strathmere. The family owned and ran the West Jersey Cottage from the late 1880s to the 1940s. Bertha’s niece still lives year round in Strathmere today, making the Wittkamps the oldest family in Strathmere, having a member of the family in residence in Strathmere for over 115 years.

Bertha was a nurse who worked at the hospital in Sea Isle City. She was also a Red Cross nurse for many years. She lived her entire life in Strathmere sharing memories of her life growing up on the island, telling of when it was covered in beach plums and cows grazed freely. She also remembered when soldiers were stationed in Strathmere to patrol the beaches during both World Wars.

Bertha lived her entire life on Winthrop Road, first in the family hotel, then in the hotel annex next door, and then finally in the boathouse on the alley (which we propose to be named in her honor) behind the hotel after the boathouse was converted to living quarters. Over the years, many people in town referred to her as ‘Aunt Bertha’ and she rode in an antique car in the Strathmere 4th of July Parade, honored as being the first baby born in Strathmere.

Bertha passed away in 1991 and we would like to honor her memory and her lifelong love of her home in Strathmere by dedicating the alley to her. The alley is already maintained by the township and it is mainly used for trash collection and by the homeowners whose property is along the alley. It would be no cost to the township, just a symbolic gesture to honor a lifelong resident who meant so much to so many people. The sign for the alley would be paid for and installed by citizens in Strathmere.'

Homeowners along the alley were contacted and asked to sign the request that was sent to the township.
By 'citizens in Strathmere' - we mean us, The Baker Family and anyone else who would like to help.

Strathmere Improvement Association Newsletter - 3/23/11

2011-03-24T11:46:00.000-05:00

In this issue: Super Moon; Some Progress on Pedestrian Safety; SFEC Legislative Forum; Boardwalk Empire; ACE Power Outage

Here is Saturday night's "super moon" rising over the Webster Road beach...

We followed up on Butch's letter to the County Freeholders by attending yesterday's Freeholders' Meeting and followed that up with a telephone discussion with County Engineer Dale Foster this morning. Here's where we are:

Crosswalks: There is work about to start around the blinker on the bridge approach to solve a "ponding" problem at the base of the bridge. A painted crosswalk at Williard will be provided as soon as that work completes (within a month). That will give us three crosswalks and they will try to fill in with additional crosswalks over time. The crosswalks use a special plastic paint (so it doesn't have to be re-done every year) that is prepared at the county facility in the southern part of the county, and the most they can do up here is two in one day. We believe we'll actually get some additional crosswalks in time for the summer season. Unfortunately, it does not appear that we will be able to get crosswalks painted in Whale Beach where there are only "paper streets" (beach access points). These would be categorized as "mid-block" crosswalks and are extemely hard to justify against the engineering criteria.

Speed Limits: The County has engaged a traffic engineering consultant to do a study to justify lowering the speed limit. The preliminary indications are that a 30 mph limit in Strathmere can perhaps be justified but 25 mph is unlikely. We asked about the 25 mph limit from 22nd to 26th Street in SIC and it was explained that it is much easier to justify extending an existing (25 mph) limit than creating a new one.
At their February 28 meeting the Township Committee passed a resolution supporting our requests for marked crosswalks and a 25 mph speed limit, and offered some manpower help for installing the crosswalks. The county may reach out to them for help with traffic control.

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On March 19, the Strathmere Fishing and Environmental Club www.strathmerefishing.org/ held its annual Legislative Forum on fishing issues at the Firehouse.
Congressman Frank LoBiondo attended and offered input and answered questions, but had to leave early.

Shown below, left to right, are SFEC Vice-President Rob Coffey, State Senator Jeff Van Drew, Assemblyman Nelson Albano, Assemblyman Matt Milam, Captain Tony Bogan, Member of Executive Committee of the Save the Summer Flounder Fishery Fund (SSFFF), Captain Adam Nowalsky, Chairman of the Recreational Fishing Alliance (RFA) of New Jersey, Ed Goldman, Member of the Marine Fisheries Council of the NJ Division of Fish, Game, and Wildlife, and Executive Director Jim Donofrio of the RFA.

Once again, there was an excellent turnout

Of particular note was the discussion on the increase this year in the quota for summer flounder (Thanks, SSFFF!). How that increase will be allocated ("keeper" size, bag limit and length of season) will be determined next month.

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Did you know that Atlantic City was the largest gambling center in the country during the first half of the 20th Century?
This and many other fascinating facts are covered in the non-fiction book, Boardwalk Empire, which relates the history of Atlantic City from an island covered with dunes to the advent of gambling competition from surrounding states. A slice of the book (the Prohibition Era) was adapted into the hit HBO series. It's a fascinating read for anyone who loves the South Jersey shore. The Schiavo Library www.strathmerelibrary.org has it if you'd like to borrow it.

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Below is a pretty amazing picture, taken by Lynn Fayter.
Since Atlantic City Electric built the new highline from Sea Isle (see the 12/17/09 Newsletter), we have had almost no power outages in Strathmere.
On Friday evening, February 25, however, the whole town lost power (in the middle of a very strong windstorm) from just after 6:00 pm until just after 6:00 am Saturday morning.
Winter residents and those folks in town for the SFEC Winter Social the next night had a long, cold, dark night!
Here's why! The wind snapped two power poles at 21st Street in SIC and brought down the wires.
Lynn was driving by and snapped this through her windshield while moving (the police would not let her stop).

Schiavo Library: March 2011 Newsletter

2011-03-04T13:10:00.000-05:00

March Events:

Movie Matinees: March means “Musicals” - Thursday afternoons at 1:00pm

March 3: Nunsense
March 10: Fiddler on the Roof
March 17: Hair
March 24: Hello, Dolly!
March 31: CATS

Food Bank Collection:

Thank you for your food donations. We will wrap up our food collections this month and deliver everything to the local food bank.

Love Your Library Winners:

The winner of our raffle is Jim March.

The two winning entries for our “I love my library because…” contest:
• I love the Schiavo Library because we have the most amazing books, beautiful library, and amazingly helpful and loving librarians! Alice Froyo

• I love my library because Strathmere needed a good home for all of its "Lonely Hearts" books, magazines, videos, etc. to be stored for visitors to come and share in the joy of exchanging these wonderful resources! It was hard to imagine Strathmere with a library before ours came along...such a tiny little town! Where will we put it?! And now, it's impossible to imagine it without one! I make it a point to visit every summer while I am in town. Kami Griffin

Great job! Winners: stop into the library anytime and pick up your “library goodies” prize packages.

Coming just in time for spring – something new in our front display case!!! Look for it soon!

Library Director’s Note:

Thanks to Jessica and Marion, everything ran smoothly here at the library while I was away.

While on vacation in Florida, my husband and I stopped in the local library as we often do when we travel. Sometimes the libraries we visit are quaint, but this time the library was just large and impersonal. I hope when people vacation in Strathmere, they stop in our library and think “Wow, what a charming and friendly place.”

See you soon!
Christine Rohrman, Library Director
http://www.strathmerelibrary.org/

Strathmere Improvement Association - SIA Newsletter - February 17, 2011

2011-02-17T18:36:00.001-05:00

In this issue: Trash Collection; Vote Saturday; New Township Tax; Freeholder Request; Bridge Railings; Babysitters; Patch.com

Remember that because of the Presidents' Day Holiday, trash will not be collected until Tuesday, and recycling will have to wait until February 28...

We'll send out "refrigerator door" information in a few months. In the meantime, here is trash and rubbish collection information on the Township website. - http://www.uppertownship.com/Road_Dept/bulk_trash_2011.html

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If you are registered to vote in Strathmere (actually, anywhere in New Jersey), elections for Fire Commissioners will be held this Saturday, February 19. Strathmere elections will be at the Firehouse and the polls will be open from 2:00 pm until 6:00 pm. Please vote!

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Upper Township held another budget workshop on Monday, February 14. While they did cut the proposed budget somewhat, it looks virtually certain that we will have a local purpose tax this year, for the first time since 1954. Under the latest proposal, a home in Strathmere assessed at $1 million would see a new Township Municipal Tax of $950 per year, in addition to the school and county taxes. Final decision on the level of the new Township tax rate awaits information on the changes in NJ State aid to municipalities...

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Butch sent a letter to the Board of Chosen Freeholders of Cape May County, asking that speed limits be lowered and marked crosswalks be installed on Commonwealth Avenue (County Road 619). We'll keep you advised if and when they respond...

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Unbeknownst to most of us, the Bridge Commission has been working on replacement railings for the Corson's Inlet Bridge for the last five years. They could not get the design they wanted to use approved for this bridge because it is "historic". The bids with a New Jersey-approved design came back last year significantly higher than expected, and the work (which is extremely labor-intensive) has now been redesigned to eliminate replacement railings on the bridge approaches, along with a few other changes to reduce costs.
At the Cape May County Bridge Commission Meeting this morning, a resolution was approved to advertise for the Re-Bid of the (permanent) railing replacements. These advertisements are expected to go out next week, with bids to be returned March 22, in time (hopefully) for Commission approval at their April meeting and the bid to be awarded immediately thereafter.
If all goes as planned, some preliminary work (relocation of utilities serving the toll booth) could be done over the summer, with the actual work on the railings to be started in September and completed by Memorial Day of 2012. The bridge will remain open during construction (no doubt with some delays here and there) and there will be no toll collection during that time.
The new railings will be almost identical to the "tubular" railings on the Great Channel Bridge (first bridge south of Stone Harbor), pictured below. One difference will be that the railings on our bridge will be galvanized prior to fabrication, which was not done on the ones shown here. You can see rust leakage at the joints, which hopefully can be avoided on our bridge.

In response to our question, Dale Foster, Engineer for both the County and the Bridge Commission, indicated that these replacement railings would have kept the Ford Expedition from going off the bridge.

An example of "Tubular" railings on the Great Channel Bridge (first bridge south of Stone Harbor)

We don't normally run advertisements in our newsletters, but we had a request from a member to see if we could help find a Strathmere babysitter for this summer.
We agreed to post this announcement and ask that anyone (or their children) interested in doing babysitting reply to this e-mail sia6@comcast.net - We will in turn provide your e-mail address to interested SIA members, with whatever restrictions you request, and of course to no one else. We suggest that an adult oversee any resulting babysitting interviews...

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http://oceancity.patch.com/

This isn't an advertisement, but kind of a "plug" for a relatively new community-based website called Patch.com. It was started in Connecticut in 2007 and purchased by AOL in 2009, with a promise to spend $50 million or more on the new venture. As of last December, Patch had established "hyperlocal" sites in more than 500 communities across the United States. They obviously hope to make a go of it by selling ads on the websites, and it remains to be seen how successful that will be. Here is their homepage - http://oceancity.patch.com/ where you can find links for towns from Basking Ridge to West Deptford and from Havertown to West Chester.
The reason we bring it up here is that during the bridge closure, the Ocean City Patch website had quite a bit of up-to-date information on what was going on, including information from readers, so you may wish to check it out and make it one of your "favorites". This, of course, would be in addition to our hometown Strathmere Blogspot.

Thanks for your support of the Strathmere Improvement Association!
Butch Vandegrift - President
Linda Bateman -Vice-President
Donna Diefenderfer - Treasurer
Dorothy Addario - Recording Secretary
Ken Weaver - Corresponding Secretary

SIA Newsletter - February 14, 2011 - The Bridge Is Open!

2011-02-14T11:58:00.000-05:00

The Bridge opened today (Monday) at 9:45. Finally!

Actually, it's hard to blame anyone for the timing - only that the communications were a little fogged up...

We saw activity on the bridge Wednesday morning, and then nothing until Saturday. Turns out you can't buy those posts and railings - they had to be fabricated in Allied Painting's shop in Cherry Hill and it took until Friday. They then worked all day Saturday and Sunday (into the dark Sunday), completing it and passing inspection this morning.

Here are the newly fabricated posts and railings ready for installation on Saturday:

Drilling holes for the posts on Saturday

Installing the rails on Sunday...

The finished product (Monday morning).

Removing the barricades ("Tear down that wall!").

The Bridge Commission website has the "Open" announcement: http://www.followthegull.org/news.asp?id=28

Next step: the Commission meets Thursday morning to consider new bids on total replacement of the railings. It's not clear if they have the money to do it regardless of how low the bids are...

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Thanks for your support of the Strathmere Improvement Association!

Butch Vandegrift - President
Linda Bateman -Vice-President
Donna Diefenderfer - Treasurer
Dorothy Addario - Recording Secretary
Ken Weaver - Corresponding Secretary

SIA Newsletter - February 11, 2011 - Bridge May not Open Until Tuesday (2/15)

2011-02-11T17:58:00.000-05:00

Still no change in the bridge!

We have seen no activity on the bridge since what looked like a survey team was up there Wednesday morning.
With a call to the Bridge Commission this afternoon, we learned that they have been told the contractor is having difficulty obtaining materials for the temporary repairs and the contractor told the Commission today that repairs would take until Tuesday.

The Bridge Commission website (below) says that the bridge will open late on Saturday (tomorrow), but it sounds like they have just not updated it with this latest information...
http://www.followthegull.org/

Don't slay the messenger!!

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Thanks for your support of the Strathmere Improvement Association!

Butch Vandegrift - President
Linda Bateman -Vice-President
Donna Diefenderfer - Treasurer
Dorothy Addario - Recording Secretary
Ken Weaver - Corresponding Secretary

According to the Cape May County Bridge Commission -

2011-02-11T13:21:00.000-05:00

From their website as of 2/11 - http://www.followthegull.org/news.asp?id=28

CORSONS INLET BRIDGE STATUS UPDATE...
The Corsons Inlet Bridge, connecting Ocean City with Strathmere, remains closed to traffic. Emergency repairs are being made to the bridge. The completion of the repairs and the re-opening of the bridge is now scheduled for late in the day on Saturday February 12. For more information, feel free to contact the Commission at 609-465-7806 during regular business hours.

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Personally, I wouldn't count on it being open in time. If you're going to Strathmere, go in through Sea Isle.

SIA Newsletter - February 8, 2011 - Bridge Should Be Open By Saturday

2011-02-09T10:01:00.001-05:00

Here's our bridge today:

And here is an article that was in today's Press of Atlantic City, indicating that temporary repairs on the railing should begin tomorrow and complete on Friday.

Hope they're correct!

http://www.pressofatlanticcity.com/communities/upper_capemay/bridge-commission-oks-emergency-repairs-to-corsons-inlet-bridge/article_b5fc5768-3305-11e0-ad5c-001cc4c03286.html

Again, you can check to see when the bridge opens at the Bridge Commission website here:

http://www.followthegull.org/

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Thanks again for your support of the Strathmere Improvement Association!

Butch Vandegrift - President
Linda Bateman -Vice-President
Donna Diefenderfer - Treasurer
Dorothy Addario - Recording Secretary
Ken Weaver - Corresponding Secretary

Some more stories about the bridge in local papers

2011-02-08T17:19:00.000-05:00

Eyewitness account of bridge accident - from Shore News Today

Officials: Broken window may have saved passengers’ lives - from Shore News Today

Corson’s Inlet Bridge closed a week for repairs after accident - from Shore News Today

CAPE MAY CO. BRIDGE COMMISSION APPROVES REPAIRS FOR CORSONS INLET - from NBC40 along with a short news clip - http://www.nbc40.net/news/16354/video

County Awards $19,400 Contract to Fix Corson's Inlet Bridge by Friday - from Ocean City Patch

Corson’s Inlet Bridge Set to Reopen Friday

2011-02-07T18:04:00.001-05:00

From the Cape may County Herald - by Al Campbell

https://www.capemaycountyherald.com/article/government/strathmere/69470-corson’s+inlet+bridge+set+reopen+friday

STRATHMERE — Corson’s Inlet Bridge, linking this Upper Township community and Ocean City via Ocean Drive, will tentatively reopen Fri., Feb. 11 after emergency repairs to replace a rusted railing through which a Sea Isle City teen brother and sister’s vehicle crashed Tue., Feb. 1. That left a gaping hole temporarily fixed by county crews.

On Mon., Feb. 7, the Cape May County Bridge Commission met in emergency session to award the repair contract.

According to commission Executive Director Stephen O’Connor, the commission solicited proposals from qualified contractors who “have a successful history of doing work for the county.”

The lower of two bidders was Allied Painting, Inc. of Cherry Hill. Its bid was $19,400, with a four-day completion.

The other bid was submitted by IEW Construction Group, Inc. of Trenton. Its bid was $24,875, with work to be done in 10 days.
“We expect the repairs to be made and the bridge reopened Friday,” O’Connor stated.

Chairman William Henfey convened the emergency meeting after a required “Sunshine” notice had been sent on Thur., Feb. 3 to the Herald. The meeting took place at the commission’s headquarters, 153 Crest Haven Road, Crest Haven.

On Oct. 19, the county Bridge Commission received bids from five contractors to repair Corson's Inlet Bridge.

Those base bids ranged from $3.36 million to $4.4 million.

All were rejected, since they came in $1 million higher than the commission expected, O’Connor confirmed.

At 12:54 p.m. Feb. 1, State Police at Woodbine station received a call that a vehicle had crashed on Strathmere (Corson’s Inlet) Bridge.

In the interim, alert Strathmere residents heard the crash, and quickly reacted, grabbing blankets to warm the crash victims.
Police reported that, for an unknown reason, the 2006 Ford Expedition, operated by Nicole Crudele, 18, of Sea Isle City, a senior at Ocean City High School, and in which her brother, Michael, 18, was a passenger, veered off the bridge deck and plunged into the 36-degree back bay water.

The siblings, niece and nephew of Freeholder Vice Director and Sea Isle City Mayor Leonard Desiderio, safely exited the sunken vehicle, and swam to safety. On the beach, residents aided them.

Both were transported to by Ocean City Fire Rescue AtlantiCare Regional Medical Center, City Division for non-life threatening injuries, which included lacerations and exposure.

The vehicle was recovered by N.J. State Police T.E.A .M.S. Unit, Strathmere Fire Company, N.J. State Park Police and Cape May County Road Department.

Also responding were N.J. State Police Marine Bureau, Sea Isle City Police, and Ocean City Fire Department.
Cape May County Engineer Dale Foster responded to the scene, and after surveying the damage, ordered the bridge closed, pending a thorough inspection and repairs.

Trooper Jason Barker headed the investigation.

Contact Campbell at (609) 886-8600 Ext 28 or at: al.c@cmcherald.com

Cape May County Bridge Commission to discuss Corsons Inlet Bridge

2011-02-07T09:25:00.000-05:00

From the Press of Atlantic City -

Cape May County Bridge Commission to discuss Corsons Inlet Bridge

The Cape May County Bridge Commission is scheduled to have an emergency meeting today at 3:30 p.m.
The meeting, which follows the accident in which two Sea Isle City teens escaped serious injury after their vehicle crashed through bridge's rusted railings, will take place at 153 Crest Haven Road in Cape May Court House.

Click here to read coverage of the accident
According to the commission's web site, the meeting will focus on the situation regarding the bridge.
Emergency repair contracts are expected to be awarded during the meeting.

Link to Story on Press of AC website

Bridge where SUV plunged into Corsons Inlet is one of many in Cape May County in need of repair

2011-02-03T09:16:00.000-05:00

Story from the Atlantic City Press - Bridge where SUV plunged into Corsons Inlet is one of many in Cape May County in need of repair