American Red Cross launches Spanish-language apps for first aid and disaster preparedness

The American Red Cross has launched six free Spanish-language apps for disasters and home emergencies with easy, lifesaving information that will help keep families safe. They are the Red Cross First Aid, Hurricane, Tornado, Earthquake, Wildfire and Flood apps. The Red Cross First Aid app gives people direct access to expert advice for everyday emergencies. The five Red Cross disaster preparedness apps give people local, real-time information for severe weather or disaster threats and offer step-by-step instructions that let users know what to do before, during and after a hurricane, tornado, earthquake, wildfire and flood.

“The free Red Cross Spanish-language apps make mobile devices a lifeline for emergency information for families,” Nancy Orlando, regional chief executive officer of the American Red Cross South Jersey Region, said in a press release. “The Red Cross wants as many people as possible to benefit from the crucial emergency information available via mobile apps.”

Photo via Google
Six Red Cross apps are now available
in the Spanish-language.

The Red Cross created and released the Spanish-language apps at a time when smartphone use among Hispanics is surging. A 2013 study by the Pew Research Center found that Latinos own smartphones and go online from a mobile device at comparable and sometimes higher rates than other groups of Americans.

The Red Cross apps have a feature that allows users to easily toggle between English and Spanish language. Before, users needed to set their entire phone language to either English or Spanish.

With its experience in working with people during disasters, the Red Cross knows individuals behave differently when under stress such as a first aid emergency or weather disaster. In these times, people want to consume vital information in the language they are most comfortable with. The Spanish toggle makes the life-saving information in the apps easier to get in emergency situations.

All of the apps offer pre-loaded content ensuring first aid and disaster preparedness guidance is available anytime, anywhere, even if Internet connection is not accessible.

Another important feature in the disaster preparedness apps allows users to let family and friends quickly know that they are safe with a customizable “I’m Safe” alert for Facebook, Twitter, email and text. The apps also have interactive quizzes that allow people to earn badges that they can share with friends on social networks.

“With natural disasters, it’s vital that people can receive and share warnings, preparedness information and their own status immediately with their social networks, and that’s what these Red Cross apps do,” Orlando said. “If people can take only one step to make their family better prepared for disasters, they should download these free Red Cross apps and help their loved ones download them, too.”

The Spanish-language apps build on the Red Cross legacy of teaching life-saving skills to people across the country. Overall, the award-winning Red Cross apps have been downloaded more than 4.7 million times.

Each one of the Spanish-language apps is free and available for iPhones and Android devices in the Apple App and Google Play stores. They can also be found at redcross.org/spanishapps (English) or redcross.org/appsenespanol (Spanish).

While apps can prepare people for disasters, it is important to remember that downloading any of the Red Cross apps is not a substitute for training. To learn more about Red Cross First Aid and CPR/AED courses or to register, visit redcross.org/takeaclass.

— Kelley Anne Essinger

This article was published in The SandPaper.

Raise a fork for David’s Dream and Believe Cancer Foundation at the Dine to Donate Fundraiser June 30

Photo via DD&B
The organization has helped over 200
in the past three years.

With the first-ever community-wide Dine to Donate Fundraiser, giving won’t just feel good; it will taste good, too. The event, hosted by David’s Dream and Believe Cancer Foundation, a local organization dedicated to providing financial assistance and services to local families affected by a cancer diagnosis, will be held throughout the day on Monday, June 30. Residents and visitors can partake in the fundraiser by patronizing any of the participating restaurants during business hours. A portion of all proceeds will benefit David’s Dream and Believe, which has assisted more than 200 families in the past three years.

“We have breakfast, lunch, dinner, happy hour and ice cream shops covered,” said David Caldarella, founder and executive director of David’s Dream and Believe. “This is a way for us to support and spotlight the local businesses that support us throughout the year. It will also raise awareness about the foundation to a wider audience, and posters at each participating restaurant will have some stats about the foundation, including the number of families assisted by the foundation for each of the past three years. It’s very important for us to raise awareness about the foundation and our mission to new audiences while we fundraise in a new and unique way. Also, I love that this is a way for the foundation to give back to those businesses that support and sponsor the foundation throughout the year,” he added.

The event’s participating restaurants so far include Bowker’s South Beach Grill in Holgate; The Chicken or the Egg, The Gables Inn and Restaurant, Living on the Veg, Panzone’s Pizza and Pasta and Sea Shell Restaurant in Beach Haven; Terrace Tavern in Beach Haven Terrace; Howard’s Restaurant in Beach Haven Gardens; Joe Pop’s Shore Bar and Restaurant, LBI Pancake House and Port Hole Cafe in Ship Bottom; Panzone’s Pizza and Scojo’s in Surf City; Black-Eyed Susans in Harvey Cedars; Mud City Crab House, Joey’s Pizza and Pasta and TGI Friday’s in Manahawkin; as well as Lefty’s Tavern in Barnegat.

To see a full list of participating restaurants, or to sign up as a contributing eatery, visit davidsdreamandbelieve.org or call 609-548-3382.

— Kelley Anne Essinger


This article was published in The SandPaper.

Frozen Fridays to begin this summer at Beyond Ice Cream in Beach Haven West

After catching the acting bug playing Dorothy in the Stafford Township Arts Center’s recent performance of “The Wizard of Oz” as well as performing in Our Gang productions and school plays since she was 7 years old, Mikaela McGovern of Manahawkin has been waiting for the next exciting acting gig to come her way. After seeing the movie “Frozen,” produced last year by Walt Disney Animation Studios, the 12-year-old became “somewhat obsessed” with the songs and the main character Elsa.

Photo by Sari McGovern
Mikaela McGovern strikes a pose while dressed
up in her new costume, which she will be wearing
while entertaining the public during Frozen Fridays.

“Mikaela could act out Elsa’s lines word-for-word in the entire movie, practically,” said her mother, Sari, also known as Sprinkles the Clown.

This summer, Mikaela and Sprinkles will present Frozen Fridays at Beyond Ice Cream, located at 853 Mill Creek Rd. in Beach Haven West, next to Bagels and Beyond. All “Frozen” fanatics are invited to attend the first event on June 27 from 7 to 10 p.m. A rain date is set for Saturday, June 28 at the same time.

“We kept seeing ads for ‘Frozen’ events where the characters were old or didn’t sing or really interact with the kids, and we thought, ‘We could do this and make it so much fun for the kids,’” said Sari. “We bought a beautiful, high-quality Elsa dress and wig and bought all the supplies for our big event,” she added.

Dressed up as Elsa, Mikaela will sing and interact with the public, giving them an opportunity to take pictures in front of a beautiful, winter backdrop. Participants will also receive a special “Frozen”-themed balloon made by Sprinkles. Free “Frozen” face painting and tattoos provided by Sprinkles will also be available. Other theme-related sand art, crafts and glitter tattoos will be offered for a small fee.

Another Frozen theme day will take place at Sweet Scoops Ice Cream Shoppe, located at 78th Street  and Long Beach Boulevard in Beach Haven Crest, on Tuesday, July 15, from 7 to 10 p.m. Frozen Fridays will also take place at Beyond Ice Cream on July 11 and 25 and Aug. 8 and 22. For more information on other upcoming events, visit facebook.com/pages/Sprinkles-the-Clown/181509095236282.

— Kelley Anne Essinger

This article was published in The SandPaper.

Sophisticated-beachy apparel appeals to patrons at Island Gypsy

A girl could spend hours browsing through the latest fashion trends at Island Gypsy, a new women’s clothing store located on Bay Avenue across from Bay Village in Beach Haven. Upon entering through the giant mahogany, carriage-style doors, neat displays of colorfully printed dresses; soft, lace-and-floral patterned tops; and dip-dyed and frayed, denim shorts are just waiting for someone to try them on.

The young, contemporary apparel exudes a sophisticated-beachy vibe, with a bit of West Coast flair.

Photo by Ryan Johnson
 Jill Guidice, store manager of Island Gypsy,
shows off some of the popular Alex and Ani
bracelets that are new to the shop this year.

“We have some beachwear, but there’s no surf brands or anything like that,” said Jill Guidice, store manager. “Our cover-ups are dressier; you could wear them out, or you can also wear them to the beach.”

The store offers a large assortment of clothing and accessories that appeal to customers in their teens and up, including Alex and Ani bangles, which are new to the store this year.

“They’re the hottest trend out there, as far as bracelets,” said Guidice.

Unique attire from Vintage Havanna and Macbeth is also new to the store this season.

Some of the clothing is also custom-designed by the store owners, the LAJ Retail Corp.

“It’s stuff that you’re not going to find anywhere,” said Laura Toomey, a co-owner. “We go to the factories, pick out fabric, pick out body styles, and they produce it for us.”

Cute, casual sandals; statement jewelry; big, floppy hats; beaded handbags; and lightweight scarves are also available in a range of patterns and colors.

Photo by Ryan Johnson
Island Gypsy offers a wide variety of clothing
that appeals to women in their teens and up.

“Pretty much if you forget an outfit for the night, you can come in here and get a whole, entire wardrobe,” said Stephanie Lupo, assistant manager of Island Gypsy in Lavallette, who was helping out at the LBI location during The SandPaper interview.

The LBI shop, which opened during Memorial Day weekend last year, is the store’s second location. The LAJ Retail Corp. opened the store in Lavallette in 2012.

Island Gypsy took over the site of the former Up From the Deep Shoppes in Beach Haven. Paul Maina, owner of Paul R. Maina Builders, who built the Island Gypsy shop on LBI, said town officials and residents were incredibly excited to see it begin taking form right after Superstorm Sandy. Although construction for the new building began just a few days before the storm and it ultimately suffered floodwater damage, the LAJ Retail Corp. decided not to back out on the new venture.

“We believe in the town; we believe in the concept of the business. So we pretty much just had to make all the repairs that were necessary and go forward with the season,” said Toomey. “We thought it would be a nice mix with all the other businesses in town. LBI is a great destination, especially the part of the Island that we’re in.

“We were just very, very fortunate that we were open for last year,” she added.

Despite the decrease in tourism last summer due to the storm, Toomey said the store had a successful first season, and she expects it will have an even better following this year.

“People talk about it a lot. I feel like it definitely has a name now,” added Guidice.

Island Gypsy opened for the season in April and will remain open through October. Hours will be 10 a.m. to 11 p.m., seven days a week, from July 1 to Labor Day, before resorting back to 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., Thursday through Sunday, until the end of the season.

— Kelley Anne Essinger


This article was published in The SandPaper.

Chill out on LBI with POPularity's gelato and sorbetto popsicles

POPularity, a new ice cream shop in Beach Haven, offers a unique twist on the tasty, summer treat with gelato and sorbetto popsicles. Made on-site daily, the frozen treats can be found drizzled in chocolate and topped with rainbow sprinkles, chocolate chips, pretzels and more.

Photo by Jack Reynolds
Gelato popsicles beckon customers
from one of the shop's display cases.

The sorbetto popsicles, made with fresh fruit, are dairy- and gluten-free and include kiwi-banana, mango and mixed berry flavors.

“It’s like you’re having dessert,” said Niki Settimo, an employee at the shop, who helped create the different flavors. She said she opts for the sorbetto because she is lactose intolerant.

Made with cream instead of milk and egg yolks like traditional American ice cream, the gelato popsicles can be found in classic Italian flavors, including amaretto, moka (coffee) and pistachio. Other fun and delicious flavors include cookies and cream, blue cotton candy, Funfetti birthday cake, Nutella and s’mores.

“We were looking to bring something fun and unique to the Island, something different and a little more current,” said Tracy Donovan, who owns POPularity with her husband, Tim; they have a summer home in Beach Haven. “Ice cream was always a thought, but we didn’t want to do your standard ice cream or fro-yo shop. There’s one on every corner,” she added.

Tracy said she began to notice that ice pops were starting to become a trend, so she took a course on making gelato, which she learned can be frozen into the shape of popsicles.

Photo by Jack Reynolds
POPularity co-owner Tracy Donovan
drizzles a popsicle with chocolate sauce.

Bonus: They also do not melt as quickly as traditional ice pops, which means they are not as messy to eat.

Once Tracy learned the basics, she and Tim began to modify the flavors to appeal to kids, teens and adults, from mint chocolate chip and peanut butter to coconut and salted caramel. A special flavor is also available on weekends.

“I kind of love them all, but my favorite is pistachio,” said Tracy. “To me, it just speaks ‘Italian ice cream.’ It’s not one that you really find in a traditional ice cream shop.”

After the couple purchased the “nearly dilapidated building” on the Island a few years ago, many renovations were made to give the shop a more urban yet beachy flair. The dark wooden slats, bright, polka dot-covered walls, energetic music and fashionable merchandise from T-shirts and tote bags to sunglasses, are reminiscent of the culture in Manhattan, where the owners live and work as the curators of a film studio.

The Donovans’ background in marketing and design has played a major role in the advertising and set-up of POPularity. A “selfie wall” in the shop is one way customers get to engage with each other and enjoy the ice cream experience. Patrons are encouraged to share pictures of themselves eating their favorite POPularity popsicle on the store’s Facebook, Twitter and Instagram pages using #POPULARITYPOPS.

“It’s a whole experience. It’s not just about the popsicle,” said Tracy. “It’s been very fun. The selfie wall, I think, is completely unique. I’ve never seen it anywhere else. It’s big with the kids and the adults alike.”

Although POPularity just opened Memorial Day weekend, customers have been eager to stop in and try the popsicles, said Tracy. Most of the promotion of the shop has been through social media and word-of-mouth, she added.

The sorbetto and gelato popsicles cost $4 each, including tax and toppings of the customer’s choice, such as graham crackers, peanuts, pistachios and salt.

The shop is open Friday and Saturday from noon to 10 p.m., and Sunday from noon to 8 p.m. The store will be open seven days a week, 11 a.m. to 11 p.m., from the end of June until Labor Day weekend.

— Kelley Anne Essinger

This article was published in The SandPaper.

Resolution against county control of ocean beaches passed by Ocean County Freeholders

Photo via Google
Ocean county towns oversee their own
beach maintenance, and it should stay
that way, Freeholders say.

The Ocean County Board of Chosen Freeholders is against proposed state legislation that would transfer the task of caring for area beaches from local municipalities to the counties. On June 18, the board passed a resolution reaffirming its position against Senate Bill 2171, which would authorize Ocean, Atlantic, Cape May and Monmouth counties to assume complete responsibility for the operation and control of ocean beaches within the respective county. The resolution states that Ocean County believes municipal control of the operation and maintenance of Ocean County beaches best serves the public, including both visitors and residents.

“No one knows the beach better than the local officials that oversee the maintenance of them,” said Freeholder Director Joseph H. Vicari, who serves as liaison to tourism in Ocean County. “We are opposed to this legislation for many reasons,” he added.

Vicari noted that Ocean County is home to 44 miles of the 127 miles of ocean beaches in the four counties mentioned in the proposed legislation.

“Our municipalities, whether it be Seaside Heights, Seaside Park or Long Beach Township, do a great job with taking care of the beaches,” Vicari said. “From making certain they are cleaned and maintained daily to providing professional lifeguards that make sure everyone is safe as they enjoy the ocean, our towns are equipped to be the caretakers of our beaches, and it should stay that way.”

The resolution is being sent to Gov. Chris Christie, members of the state Senate and Assembly and the mayors of Ocean County’s oceanfront communities.

–Kelley Anne Essinger

This article was published in The SandPaper.

Used cooking grease and oil now accepted at Ocean County's recycling centers

With the installation of 300-gallon tanks at both Ocean County-operated recycling centers, getting rid of cooking grease and oil is now easier and more environmentally friendly. Area residents looking to dispose of leftover cooking grease and oil may drop off up to five gallons per household per day at both of the county’s recycling centers. The Southern Recycling Center is located at 379 Haywood Rd. in Manahawkin; the Northern Recycling Center is located at 601 New Hampshire Ave. in Lakewood. There is no fee to drop off the waste.

Photo via Google
Used cooking grease and oil should not be
poured down the drain.

“So many of our residents and visitors already access the drop-off bins at the county’s recycling centers. It’s an easy step to include cooking grease when dropping off newspapers and cans for recycling,” Freeholder James F. Lacey, who serves as liaison to the Ocean County Department of Solid Waste Management, said in a press release.

Acceptable oils include cooking-pan grease left over from bacon, roasts, fish and chicken along with cooking oil from household deep fryers and turkey fryers.

“When cooking grease is thrown down the drain, it solidifies and builds up in local sewerage and septic systems. This is a great program that allows our citizens and visitors to dispose of cooking grease properly,” said Freeholder Director Joseph H. Vicari.

The collected cooking oils are sold to MOPAC Rendering of Souderton, Pa., at a price between $1.30 and $1.40 per gallon. That price may fluctuate depending on market conditions. The company in turn recycles the waste oils into bio-fuels and animal feed, Lacey explained.

While motor oil is not accepted as part of this new program, additional containers for automotive waste remain available at both recycling centers.

“We’re all familiar with curbside recycling for newspapers, paper, cardboard, cans and bottles, but a whole range of other products are accepted at our regional recycling facilities,” Lacey said.

Cell phones, boat shrink wrap, computers, televisions and other electronics as well as paint cans, tires and rigid plastics such as lawn furniture, toys and buckets are also accepted at both recycling centers.

For more information, visit co.ocean.nj.us.

— Kelley Anne Essinger

This article was published in The SandPaper.

One man's commitment to raising awareness for Traumatic Brain Injury inspires collaborative social media campaign

Michael “Maz” McWilliams has been carrying around a watermelon and documenting his journey via Instagram for 100 days. When the pursuit started in honor of Traumatic Brain Injury Awareness Month in March, the New York resident, who also has a second home in Harvey Cedars, had no idea it would generate a major following.

“Initially it was a pretty small movement, but it’s grown tremendously,” said McWilliams, who is cofounder and creative director of Digs Apparel, a men’s sportswear company expected to launch in the fall that is also dedicated to raising awareness for TBI.

Photo via Michael McWilliams
Michael McWilliams carries the watermelon
with him wherever he goes.

The campaign known as #amelonaday has since turned into a collaborative effort among other Instagram users from around the world who post creative pictures using melons. The project, encouraged by one of McWilliams’ fellow Instagram followers, has also garnered a lot of media attention after being featured on social media sites Instagram and Steller.

The project has inspired an open discussion about TBI and the many struggles that come with it, something McWilliams is all too familiar with. His older brother Timothy C. “Timbo” McWilliams Jr. suffered from TBI after being mugged in Hoboken in 2001.

According to the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, TBI occurs when a sudden trauma causes damage to the brain. Symptoms can be mild, moderate or severe, depending on the extent of the damage to the brain. It can lead to problems with balance and coordination, loss of hearing, vision or speech, fatigue, memory loss, difficulty concentrating, anxiety, depression, impulsivity and impaired judgment.

“Needless to say, he (Timothy) was in the clouds,” said McWilliams. “He wasn’t very present, nor was he in great shape.”

Following the incident, Timothy spent many weeks in a coma and required years of recovery. In 2005, he died in a car crash after suffering from a seizure while driving, a complication from his TBI. He was 27 years old.

“I internalized a lot of it and kind of found ways to work through it. It certainly inspired me, too,” said McWilliams. “I started creating music, and I was just way more committed to approaching life in a way that I wanted to approach it. I guess I had a glimpse of how precious it can be, and I didn’t want to waste my time. Fortunately, I’ve had a pretty understanding and encouraging family in that sense.”

Photo by Ryan Morrill
After writing this story, I was inspired to be a part of the
project by capturing my own photos. For the first time
since suffering from my own TBI, it allowed me to meet my
feelings of shame and isolation with love and acceptance.

After Timothy passed away, McWilliams and his family started the Timothy Carlon McWilliams Jr. Foundation, a nonprofit organization dedicated to helping victims of TBI through grant programs.

McWilliams was inspired to continue raising awareness for TBI after reading an article in Outside magazine this year that focused on the rising incidence of brain injuries. The article’s lead image featured a watermelon cracked open and duct-taped back together.

“It was kind of like a light bulb moment for me, where I just thought, ‘What a great way to visually translate this really big idea and this really meaningful cause that, I think, most people don’t know what it is and they struggle with understanding it.’ I felt like it was a very simple, beautiful way of telling that story.”

After McWilliams’ initial post on Instagram, he was contacted by friend Adam Pearce, who wanted to help him promote the initiative. Pearce recently co-produced an award-winning snowboarding documentary called The Crash Reel and founded an outreach campaign, Love Your Brain, all in honor of his brother Kevin, a former professional snowboarder who suffers from TBI as a result of an accident in 2009.

“I think that inspired me to say, ‘Oh, wow, this has power beyond just my commitment,’” said McWilliams.

Hoping to help the campaign grow further, McWilliams began sharing his story with other people and encouraged them to collaborate in the project and post their own interpretations using #amelonaday.

“They’d read the story, and they’d email me back, and for the most part, everyone was really moved and wanted to be involved,” he said. “It just kind of started to take on a life of its own in that sense. I can’t tell you how many times a day people tag me on an image of a watermelon, or send me a picture of a melon at a stand or at a market, just because their first thought is ‘#amelonaday’ and ‘Traumatic Brain Injury.’ There’s just an insane power in that.”

The project has also inspired many people to speak out about their own struggles with TBI. McWilliams said he has received many emails from others who want to share their experiences.

“This has made people feel less alone, and I think that’s such an amazing gift,” he said. “In no way do I feel really responsible for it. I feel like it kind of was a gift, and I just feel happy to be a part of it. Really, all the people that have contributed to this, they’re the ones who deserve the honors and the credit. They amaze me every day. They inspire me, and without their images we wouldn’t have reached the people we’ve reached,” he added.

Although McWilliams plans to carry around the watermelon only for the full 100 days, he said #amelonaday will continue to serve as an awareness tool for TBI.

“I think the beauty of what has happened here through this commitment is as I discovered #amelonaday, I discovered the way that social media can be used to generate awareness and move people and inspire people,” he said. “I have every intention of continuing #amelonaday on its own account because it’s part of the (Digs Apparel) brand and part of our mission as a brand to generate awareness and to give. They’ll both be interconnected and related, and we’ll just continue to evolve and see where they go.”

— Kelley Anne Essinger

This article was published in The SandPaper.

Beach Haven School students perform docu-play about Superstorm Sandy

Family, friends and members of the community cried, cheered and applauded for the Beach Haven School students at Surflight Theatre on Wednesday, June 4, as they performed “Welcome Home,” a docu-play about Superstorm Sandy. The show, which incorporated each student from pre-K through sixth grade, focused on the children’s memories of the storm.

Last fall, the Beach Haven School received a $10,000 Sandy Relief Arts Education Grant from Young Audiences New Jersey and Eastern Pennsylvania. Beach Haven is one of 12 schools in communities affected by Sandy, including All Saints Regional Catholic School in Manahawkin, to be awarded the grant.

Photo by Ryan Johnson
Beach Haven School students recount their
memories of Superstorm Sandy while
on-stage at the Surflight Theatre.

To process the devastating events they had experienced, the students and staff worked with Eloise Bruce, poet and playwright with Young Audiences, after finally returning to the Beach Haven School 10 months after the storm. The students interviewed first responders and individuals who lived through Sandy as well as the devastating Great March Storm of 1962. They also shared their experiences and memories through written essays and poems.

“I knew coming in that there would be a lot of (emotional) stuff for people, so it was really important to just talk about it,” said Bruce. “I loved being included in their experiences. That’s really, really tender when somebody allows you to be present to something that was emotional for them.”

Although the devastation surrounding the storm remained at the forefront of the play, the cast, wearing T-shirts designed by the second- and third-grade classes, also focused on the many heroes they encountered during the process.

Photo by Ryan Johnson
Sixth-grade student Kameron Davis works the
Poseidon prop; Poseidon is known in Greek
mythology as the great Olympian god of the sea.

Each grade recounted different portions of their experience, by directly addressing the audience from on stage. Some acted out scenes from when the storm hit, describing the sound of the winds and the sight of the flooded streets. Others retold stories about the mandatory evacuation, which for some, meant parting with their toys and pets, as well as accepting help from neighbors and town officials.

Throughout the play, the students sang portions of “Safe and Sound,” a popular song by Capital Cities, as well as “Welcome Home,” a song written by Joan Melega, the school’s former music teacher, who accepted a full-time position at another school earlier in the spring.

“I just love performing, whether it’s in sports or on stage,” Nicholas Carrano, a sixth-grade student at the Beach Haven School told The SandPaper after the play. He said he evacuated from the Island with his family to Pennsylvania during the storm.

At the end of the night, Beach Haven School Superintendent Eva Marie Raleigh thanked the community for coming out in support of the students.

“In 10, 20, 30 years from now, like all of you, they (the students) will tell their story and will know that they not only survived, but navigated their journey onward,” she said.

On behalf of the students, Raleigh presented “Welcome Home” gifts to Patrice Pottchien, the school’s second-grade teacher who is still displaced because of the storm. A total of 13 out of the 18 staff members were displaced from their homes after Sandy.

Masks made by the students and used during the play were also given to William and Beverly Tromm for their emergency management efforts during the storm. The rest of the props from the play were offered to the Long Beach Island Historical Museum and the New Jersey Maritime Museum.

The students also presented the Beach Haven Board of Education with a sample of the books from authors the children wrote to during the past few months, which will be donated to the school library.

— Kelley Anne Essinger


This article was published in The SandPaper.

Family pig roast and BBQ to benefit Beach Haven Future

Beach Haven Future, a local organization comprised of business owners and residents dedicated to revitalizing Long Beach Island’s Queen City for future generations, is hosting a Family Pig Roast and BBQ at the New Jersey Maritime Museum, located at 528 Dock Rd. in Beach Haven, on Saturday, June 14, from 4 to 8 p.m.

Photo via Google
Event-goers can participate in water
balloon toss and other games.

The menu will include roasted pig, pulled pork, burgers and hot dogs, as well as baked beans and a variety of salads. Desserts that include root beer floats, elephant ears, strawberries and more, will also be available. Beverages will include lemonade and root beer on tap. Beer and wine will also be available at a cash bar.

Old-fashioned picnic games the whole family can enjoy will include egg toss, a balloon head race, water balloon toss and egg-and-spoon relay races.

Classic ’60s music will be performed live by Albert Jinks.

“Our Family Pig Roast and BBQ event is the result of numerous volunteers and local businesses donating their time and resources.  It's going to be a blast,” said Barbara Cona, executive director of BHF. “Beach Haven Future recently completed a well-received planter project along Bay Avenue, with generous contributions from the Beach Haven Taxpayers Association and the Garden Club of LBI.  Raising funds at events like this, as well as the sale of our new BHF T-shirts designed by Jetty, will allow us to continue,” she added.

Tickets for the event cost $25 for adults and $5 for children ages 6 to 12; anyone younger than 6 is free. All proceeds will benefit BHF, to help beautify the town.

To purchase tickets, or for more information, visit beachhavenfuture.com or call 609-492-1715.

— Kelley Anne Essinger


This article was published in The SandPaper.

NJ Office of Emergency Management responds to Beach Haven Council's request for prompt disbursal of disaster relief funds

Members from the New Jersey Office of Emergency Management’s financial department recently ventured to Beach Haven to chat with town officials about reimbursements for damages from Superstorm Sandy. The meeting was in response to a resolution the council sent out last month, which requested that the state fully staff the OEM to ensure that Federal Emergency Management Agency funds are promptly disbursed. The resolution also requested that FEMA not reallocate undisbursed funds elsewhere.

As a result of the damage caused by Sandy, Beach Haven borough has expended funds to repair damage to borough infrastructure and buildings and has submitted claims to FEMA in the amount of $5,461,356. The reimbursement process has been slow-moving so far.

Photo via Google
Beach Haven officials seek prompt reimbursement
for damages from Superstorm Sandy.

However, “it seems we’re starting to get things moving a little bit,” Borough Manager Richard Crane said at the public council meeting held Monday, June 9. “I say ‘a little bit’ because we are at least starting to see some progress in the first portion of what we submitted reimbursement for oh, so many months ago, which was for the debris removal.”

Altogether for the debris removal, the town has currently submitted reimbursement claims for $1.2 million but has so far received less than $400,000. Another $400,000 is expected to be received soon, Crane said.

“There’s a good deal of funds to get. It’s slow and tedious, but there’s a lot of money at stake, and as I’ve indicated before, we need to keep plugging away,” he explained.

Ironically, the council approved a bill during Monday’s meeting to pay the town’s 10 percent of the debris removal for the contract led by Ocean County, which comes to a little less than $300,000.

In other meeting news, an ordinance amending an ordinance to regulate the parking of construction vehicles and/or equipment in the borough prior to and after working hours was introduced and passed on the first reading. Unless the vehicle is parked adjacent to the registered owner’s property, the ordinance, if adopted, would prohibit construction vehicles with a gross vehicle weight in excess of 10,000 pounds, construction trailers (open or closed), or construction equipment from being parked on any public street within the town prior to 7 a.m. or after 7 p.m., as well as any time on Sunday. Fines would increase with subsequent violations.

A resolution was also passed to award a $50,414 contract to Shore Connection of West Creek to begin work on the Stormwater Replacement Project, which would start in the portion of Nelson and West avenues and Seventh Street, where some of the storm drains have collapsed. Although the town experienced drainage issues before Sandy, those issues are much greater since the storm, Crane explained.

During the meeting, the council also adopted an ordinance to remove exemptions for temporary demolition containers and homeowner trash and recycling containers from the requirement that such containers be covered at all times.

In response to a public concern about the noise from the proliferation of tent weddings in town during the summer season, Councilman James White advised residents to be more proactive with their complaints.

“If people are put out, and it’s bothering them to a great extent, it’s not a bad thing to call the police,” he said. “It’s something that we can stand on terra firma with when we’re making a decision or dealing with the people that we have to deal with.”

Although Mayor Robert Keeler said the weddings are great for local business, he agreed that quality of living is essential for the surrounding residents and that there “needs to be a balance.”

Also at the meeting, Crane assured residents that the town’s new beach patrol headquarters on the beachfront of Centre Street is “nearly complete.” This past weekend, the lifeguards began moving some of their belongings into the new building, he said.

“As nice as it looks from the outside, it’s even nicer from the inside. It’s a magnificent structure,” said Crane. “I think it’ll be something that the town can be proud of certainly for many years to come. It sets us apart from any other beachfront communities here on Long Beach Island. It’s a beautiful facility.”

The town is also gearing up for its annual bike auction for bicycles that were abandoned or picked up during the course of last year. The public event will be held at the Borough Emergency Operations Center on Pelham Avenue on July 10, at 11 a.m.

— Kelley Anne Essinger

This article was published in The SandPaper.

Stafford Township holds 50th annual Founder's Day celebration

Photo by Ryan Morrill
Fireworks will be held at the Doc Cramer fields.

A day full of fun activities will be held in Stafford on Saturday, June 14, to commemorate the town’s 50th annual Founder’s Day celebration. Senior citizens are invited to kick off the day with a free breakfast at the Stafford Township Volunteer Firehouse, at 8:30 a.m.  A downtown parade will begin at 10 a.m., traveling from Stafford Avenue to Route 9 and ending at the Oxycocus School.

A variety of festivities, including the Little Miss Stafford and Little Town Crier contests, will be held at the Manahawkin Lake Park immediately following the parade. Vendors, musical entertainment and other activities will also be available throughout the afternoon.

The fun will continue with evening festivities at the Doc Cramer athletic fields, beginning at 4 p.m. Fireworks will be on display later in the night.

For more information, visit twp.stafford.nj.us or call 609-597-1000.

— Kelley Anne Essinger

This article was published in The Forked River Gazette.

High Point Volunteer Fire Company hosts seventh annual Striper Shootout

Photo via Facebook
The funds will go toward the cost
of equipment and other supplies
needed at the firehouse.

Anglers and friends are invited to spend a day on the water at the High Point Volunteer Fire Company of Harvey Cedars’ seventh annual Striper Shootout, on Saturday, June 14. The all-tackle, all-boat fishing tournament, followed by a good, old-fashioned Harvey Cedars “Hoot” and fish fry, will benefit the local fire department, to help replace equipment that was lost or destroyed in recovery efforts during Superstorm Sandy.

“The day is one big party, said Jason Marti, assistant chief of HPVFC. “It kicks off summer for the locals, and you can’t really beat a fish fry at a firehouse. The fish can’t get any fresher.”

Fishing will take place on the water from 3 a.m. to 3 p.m., and the official weigh-in will be held at the firehouse from 2 to 5 p.m. First place will receive $2,000; second place will collect $1,000; and third place will receive $500. Awards and trophies will also be handed out in the female and junior categories.

Family and friends can gather at the firehouse for food and fun starting at 2 p.m. The festivities will include live entertainment, a beer tuck, raffles and silent auction as well as fresh fish from the tournament and other food donated by local restaurants. Tickets cost $25 for adults and $8 for children under 13 years old.

The entry fee for the tournament is $150 per boat for two anglers. Registration for each additional angler is $50. A maximum of six anglers, including the captain, is allowed. A member from each boat must attend the mandatory captain’s meeting on Friday, June 13, at 7 p.m. Participants must register by 8 p.m. that day.

To preregister, or to become a sponsor, visit home.comcast.net/~hpvfc or call 609-494-9169.

— Kelley Anne Essinger

This article was published in The Forked River Gazette.

Classic Car Cruise, silent auction and dinner to benefit Friends of Southern Ocean County Animal Shelter

The Friends of Southern Ocean County Animal Shelter, an all-volunteer organization that extends its help beyond assisting the county-run shelter in Manahawkin to care for the health and welfare of cats and dogs, will be the beneficiary of two upcoming events.

SBR Tire Exchange, located at 817 Route 9 North in Manahawkin, will host a Classic Cruise for the Critters on Saturday, June 7, from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. A variety of classic cars, including Corvettes, trucks, Jeeps and 1960s muscle cars, will be on display throughout the day by local car clubs and car enthusiasts. The Stafford Township DARE car will make an appearance, too.

Photo via Google
Animal lovers can participate in two fundraisers to benefit
the Friends of Southern Ocean County Animal Shelter.

Registration for those interested in entering their car for display costs $10. Breakfast is included for all drivers.

A DJ as well as food and vendors will also be available to the public.

“We’re all animal lovers. It should be a fun event,” said Bernie Rothman, owner of SBR Tire, which donated funds earlier this year to help cover treatment costs for Boss, the pit bull that was taken to Stafford Veterinary Hospital in March after a Tuckerton couple found him wandering the streets with a bullet wound in his face.

“Everybody can come hang out and enjoy the sunshine while they’re looking at cars. Everybody likes cars,” he added.

The event will also be observed as customer appreciation day. Discounts on store products will be offered in honor of SBR Tire’s 26 years in business.

Admission to the event is free, but donations for FOSOCAS are welcome.

The fourth annual Flavor Unleashed Dinner and Silent Auction will be held at Uncle Will’s Grill, located at 3 South Bay Ave. in Beach Haven, on Wednesday, June 11, at 6 p.m. Entrees will include a choice of petite filet finished with balsamic glace, crab cakes, pan-seared salmon with habanero-bourbon barbecue glace, a vegetarian platter, and manchego-panko-encrusted grilled chicken served with mild chantrelle mustard sauce. Dinner includes two sides, a house salad and rolls, as well as coffee or tea and choice of dessert.

“It’s really, really wonderful. It raises awareness to adopt animals in shelters, and it also raises awareness for our Trap-Neuter-Release program,” said Connie Lohr, a FOSOCAS board member and the group’s liaison with the shelter. Participants “get to meet the volunteers because most of us go; we love it so much. It’s a really nice evening,” she added.

Tickets for the event cost $35. Tax and gratuity are included as well as 10 tickets for the chance auction with various items donated from local businesses such as Kapler’s Pharmacy, Regenerate and Surf City Five and 10. A 50/50 raffle and special, surprise giveaway will also be available.

For those unable to attend, another event will be held in September.

To purchase tickets or to donate auction items, contact Lohr at 609-618-0954 or deerwife55@comcast.net.

— Kelley Anne Essinger

This article was published in The SandPaper.