Updates from Citizens United to Protect the Maurice River and Its Tributaries, Inc.
November 10, 2010 – 6:30 p.m.
Annual Meeting of the Membership
(Our normal schedule is the second Wednesday of odd-numbered months)
George Luciano Center, Cumberland County College
Presentation By
Eric Schrading–U.S. Fish & Wildflife Service Partners Program
Parrotfeather Control
Eric received his B.S. in Wildlife Management from the University of Maine, and his M.S. in Wildlife Science from Virginia Tech. Mr. Schrading has worked with the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service for 17 years, and has been the private lands coordinator with the NJ Field Office for 13 years working on habitat restoration projects throughout the State.
Eric will discuss the joint efforts of USFWS, CU, the Vineland Environmental Commission, and the City of Vineland to eradicate a highly invasive plant. The project is an ongoing effort to remove a deleterious aquatic weed, “parrotfeather,” from the Menantico Creek, where it was first reported in 2008.
Annual Meeting of Membership
The Annual Meeting of the membership will be held at 6:30 P.M. on November 10th, at the George Luciano Center, on the campus of Cumberland County College.
This Annual Meeting will afford Delegate Members the opportunity to fill vacancies arising on the Board of Trustees. If you have received a proxy along with this Newsletter, you are a Delegate Member and are entitled to vote, in person or by proxy. If you have not received a proxy and would like to vote at subsequent meetings, you can make that request of the Board in person, at the Annual Meeting, or in writing.
Generally, members of the Board of Trustees are elected for three-terms. Trustees whose terms end in 2011 and 2012 will be continuing their service to the organization. Three (3) of the incumbent Trustees whose terms are expiring in 2010 have expressed the desire and willingness to serve for another term (ending in 2013). They are: Ethan Aronoff, Irene Bird and Leslie Ficcaglia. Two additional individuals are nominated by the Board for the three-year term ending in 2013: Susan Leopold and David Lord.
A retired educator, Susan Leopold has worked as a teacher, reading specialist and principal. Her interest in Down Jersey and the work of Citizens United has been evident in tending a thriving Purple Martin colony; assisting with the banding of migratory birds; coordinating details for the Chili Bowl Dinner and Elevate; and, participation in numerous events of CU.
David Lord’s love of the Bayshore was inspired by a Birding Cumberland trip led by CU Board Member Karen Johnson. David has led hikes on Raptor Discovery Days and worked festivals, eco-fairs and other events for Citizens United. He has served on-board the tour boat Osprey as its First Mate and Naturalist, sailing in the Maurice River and the back bays of Cape May. He has also led tours for the Cape May Bird Observatory and Salem County Nature Clubs.
If the nominees above are elected at the Annual Meeting, the roster of Trustees during the coming year would be:
|
Term Ending in 2011 |
Term Ending in 2012 |
Term Ending in 2013 |
| Donna Dailey | Diane Amico | Ethan Aronoff |
| Karen Johnson | Sue Fenili | Irene Bird |
| Richard Jones | Jane Morton Galetto | Leslie Ficcaglia |
| Berwin Kirby | Tony Klock | Susan Leopold |
| Mary Ann Russell | David Lord |
After the Annual Meeting, the Trustees will appoint Officers to serve for the coming year. The Board currently intends to appoint the following individuals to serve in the respective capacities of Officers of Citizens United:
| Jane Morton Galetto | President |
| Tony Klock | Treasurer |
| Irene Bird | Assistant Treasurer |
| Diane Amico | Secretary |
| Karen Johnson | Corresponding Secretary |
CU Updates:
Winfields Fundraiser Smashing Success! — The CU fundraiser was organized by members Sue Fenili, Larry Merighi, Mary Ann Russell and Gloria Dunhour of Winfield’s Restaurant. Member Mary Ann Cannon of La Bottega opened her gallery to a fun filled warm up of participants. She and Bobbie Berg were super hosts. La Bottega kindly gave a percentage of all art purchased to CU. Winfield’s did a spectacular job of service, atmosphere and mouth watering delights. Artist Glenn Rudderow painted beautiful image of the East Point Lighthouse for auction. Glenn was also our keynote for the evening offering many kind words about our region and our work. We are grateful to his kindness. Everyone was highly complimentary. In addition to impeccable attention to detail, proprietors and CU members Rick and Lois Abbott’s generosity enabled the event to be an over the top financial success. We can’t thank everyone enough for the fine job and super evening.
“Ah, Why Knot” Awards Dinner Oct 23— This year marked the 31st anniversary of Citizens United to Protect the Maurice River and Its Tributaries, Inc. Five individuals were honored for their outstanding service and were presented the “Ah, Why Knot” Awards: John Andrus, who just retired as editor of the Cumberland Reminder was recognized for all his work getting out regional news, especially environmental features; Tim Russell, who each year works on the Elevate youth enrichment program, builds osprey nests, and coordinates the set up and tear down of the Chili Dinner; Grace Richter, who works quietly behind the scenes for CU on almost any thing we do… and word has it has done so for the Bayshore Discovery Project as well; and Mary Jane and Chuck Slugg, who have worked all three days of Raptor Discovery Days for several years, as well as the Eagle Festival and also do countless volunteering for NJ Audubon, sharing their teaching and birding skills- come rain, snow or shine. Each awardee received a David Rhodes red knot decoy and a Congressional citation.
The volunteers were further honored for their contributions to the community and recognized for the important role that families play in their lives. For more information on the awardees see our newsletter addendum.
We also recognized outgoing trustee Tom McKee for his dedication to the organization. Tom has dedicated time to a plethora of Citizens United activities, from festivals to education. He has been instrumental in lending his professional expertise, having worked as a GIS expert at the NJ DEP with the Division of Watershed Management and more recently as a private consultant.
For further detail about our awardees visit the newsletter on our website that has an addendum about their accomplishments and photos from the affair.
Renee Brecht provided an overview of the outstanding contributions made by the volunteers, who put in over 5000 hours of service this year. Volunteers took on a number of opportunities, whether it was putting up osprey nests, leading trips, counting swamp pink, painting and birding with children, cooking for shorebird scientists, or helping out with the day-to-day “nuts and bolts” of the organization. Several of our volunteers qualified for the President of the United States’ Volunteer Service Award: Recipients of the Bronze Award (for service of 100-249 hrs) were Dave and Sue Fenili, Tom McKee, Karen Johnson, Leslie Ficcaglia, Irene Bird, and Gerry Moore. The Silver Award was presented (for service of 250-499 hrs) to Tony Klock and Diane Amico. And two individuals were recognized with the Gold Award, for service over 499 hours: Allen Jackson and Jane Morton Galetto.
Renee Brecht provided an overview of the outstanding contributions made by the volunteers, who put in over 5000 hours of service this year. Volunteers took on a number of opportunities, whether it was putting up osprey nests, leading trips, counting swamp pink, painting and birding with children, cooking for shorebird scientists, or helping out with the day-to-day “nuts and bolts” of the organization. Several of our volunteers qualified for the President of the United States’ Volunteer Service Award: Recipients of the Bronze Award (for service of 100-249 hrs) were Dave and Sue Fenili, Tom McKee, Karen Johnson, Leslie Ficcaglia, Irene Bird, and Gerry Moore. The Silver Award was presented (for service of 250-499 hrs) to Tony Klock and Diane Amico. And two individuals were recognized with the Gold Award, for service over 499 hours: Allen Jackson and Jane Morton Galetto.
Radio Spots—A large number of members have helped to write and edit radio spots soon to be heard on the air and on the internet. Unabridged spots have been also shared with the Cumberland Reminder for use as CU bylines. Writers included Tony Klock, Sue Fenili, Renee and Jane. Editors included Mary Ann Russell, Leslie Ficcaglia and David McCann. CAS music’s Chris Orazi has been doing the sound mix and none other than our own Ethan Aronoff is our “voice.” Thanks to all.
Rails to Trails—The Feasibility Study has been completed. Maurice River and Commercial Townships have tentatively expressed interest in participating in the initial portion of the project.
Bayshore Heritage Byway— Cheryl Reardon of Assoc. of NJ Environmental Commission, and Jane Morton Galetto represented the Bayshore Coalition in meeting with the Department of Transportation to review consultants’ proposals and recommend which submission we felt was best suited to coordinate and develop a management plan for the byway. The plan will refine the course of the byway, define who implements the plan, and what natural and cultural heritage is interpreted for the traveler.
South Jersey Bayshore Coalition—The display committee has completed the design for a display regarding the special character of the bayshore. It is intended to get folks thinking about the Coalition’s mission. It will be placed at various locations around the Bayshore along with the Coalition’s brochure. Jane Morton Galetto and Donna Vertolli of Design Advertising were instrumental in the design of this display.
On the Advocacy Front:
Union Lake Zoning—A subcommittee of the South Jersey Bayshore Coalition has given input into the zoning changes suggested by Millville Planners. It is our hope that a large portion of the tract of land behind the Union Lake Crossing Mall might still be preserved. The City’s plans do call for an open space area. Subcommittee members include CU’s President, Association of NJ Environmental Commissions, NJ Conservation Foundation, and the Littoral Society. Collectively we have made suggestions for the configuration of uses suggested by the City. NJCF has chosen to give input but is not comfortable with anything short of preservation. We would prefer that the entire tract be preserved but felt it was advantageous to participate in the process, should preservation fail to prevail.
Holly Farm Update—We are still awaiting the decision of the appeal launched by CU, NJ Audubon, Association of NJ Environmental Commissions, New Jersey Conservation Foundation and sympathizer NJ Rate Council are challenging the Board of Public Utilities (BPU) decision to allow the Holly Farm forest to be sold by Atlantic Electric for development purposes. Executive Director, Jeannie Fox of the BPU was a dissenting vote. Her points and our legal brief make our position clear on why the best fiscal decision for the BPU is to accept– the State offer to purchase the property.
Open Space Meetings—The County Planning Board has employed landscape architecture firm Simone Collins to coordinate an open space recreation master plan for Cumberland County. Jane represents the South Jersey Bayshore Coalition on this committee. To date Collins has hired a firm to conduct surveys regarding the County resident’s views on open space. The surveys were conducted by phone and also on the County’s website. The phone survey revealed that 81% felt their recreational needs were being met. Most agreed that swimming was not well enough accommodated. An astounding 79% feel that more public parks, natural areas, and open space need to be preserved. This bodes very well in support of our mission.
IMPORTANT – PLEASE take the survey on the county’s website and make your feelings known about continuing to protect wild areas in the County. You will also have opportunities to make your feelings known about the need for improvements, i.e. public access, rest rooms, interpretation, management and the like. Our elected officials are very interested in the findings of this continuing survey. Presently the online survey results are very similar to the phone survey. The online survey is continuing and its findings thus far are even more favorable to preservation.
Member Opportunities
Chili Bowl– Get your tickets early! This year’s Chili Bowl will be held Saturday February 5, 2011 at the Mauricetown Fire Hall. Tickets are $25. Last year’s snowfall resulted in a “snow date.” We are hopeful that Mother Nature cooperates this year.
Swamp pink presentation- Dallas Lore Sharp Nature Club, November 2, 2010, 7 p.m.
Recent Happenings
Fall Walks— Rain forced cancellation of two walks but we were fortunate enough to have beautiful autumnal weather for one of the walks, and look forward to the Winter Walks.
Campfire— CU members Jimmy and Donna Vertolli hosted our October campfire. We had all our usual—hot dogs, marshmallows—with the added bonus of pumpkin soups and warm spiced apple cider, along with several other tasty foods. A good time was had by all.
Winter Walks—Join us on Tuesday mornings, January 4th, 11th and 18th, 2011 at 9:00 a.m., baseball field on Sharp Street, for winter birding & botany walks.
Wildflower I.D. Workshop—was well attended. The workshop was held at the Vineland Public Library and followed by a field session where aspiring botanists practiced their newfound skills.
Third Friday October—CU sponsored Third Friday at the River Renaissance Center for the Arts. Members Bill Opperman, Ed Pio, and David Lord represented CU at our booth.
East Point Lighthouse—CU member Grace Richter represented CU with Paint a Landscape at this ever popular open house. New activities like paper making with phragmites were of interest to attendees.
Coastal Heritage Trail Route– CU attended a meeting on the reauthorization of the NJ Coastal Heritage Trail.
Calendar
Meeting Dates for 2011
Second Wednesdays of the odd numbered months 6:30-8:30 p.m. at the Cumberland County College, Luciano Center
January 12, 2011
March 9, 2011
May 11, 2011
July 13, 2011
September 14, 2011
November 9, 2011
January 4, 2011 9 a.m. Birding and Botany Breakfast Walk
January 11, 2011 9 a.m.Birding and Botany Breakfast Walk
January 12, 2011 6:30 p.m. Bimonthly Wednesday meeting, Cumberland County College, Luciano Center
January 18, 2011 9 a.m.Birding and Botany Breakfast Walk
February 5, 2011 Eagle Festival and Chili Bowl
March 9, 2011 6:30 p.m. Bimonthly Wednesday Meeting, Cumberland County College, Luciano Center
April 2, 2011 9 a.m. Adopt a swamp pink training
April 19, 2011 9 a.m. Birding and Botany Breakfast Walk
April 26, 2011 9 a.m. Birding and Botany Breakfast Walk
May 3, 2011 9 a.m. Birding and Botany Breakfast Walk
May 7, 2011, 9 a.m.Birding with Laurie Pettigrew, Matt’s Landing/Heislerville WMA
May 11, 2011 6:30 p.m. Bimonthly Wednesday meeting, Cumberland County College, Luciano Center
May 13, 2011 5:30 p.m. New Members Orientation
May 13, 2011 7 p.m. Frog Slog
June 4, 2011 10 a.m. Philadelphia Botanical Field Trip, Elk Lake Cumberland County
June 11, 2011 Bay Day
June 18, 2011 9 a.m.Nature Bike Trip
June 26, 2011 BYOB Paddle, location TBA
June 28, 2011 7 a.m.Birding and Botany Walk
July 5, 2011 7 a.m. Birding and Botany Walk
July 12, 2011 7 a.m. Birding and Botany Walk
July – Date TBD – Millville Riverfest
July 13, 2011 6:30 p.m. Bimonthly Wednesday meeting, Cumberland County College, Luciano Center
July 23, 2011 10 a.m. Philadelphia Botanical Field Trip, Cape May County
August 6, 2011 BYOB Paddle, location TBA
August 12, 13 2011 Purple Martin festival
September 3, 2011 Lake Audrey Day
September 14, 2011 6:30 p.m. Bimonthly Wednesday meeting, Cumberland County College, Luciano Center
September 24, 2011 Cape May Point State Park Butterfly Walk September 27, 2011 9 a.m.Birding and Botany Breakfast Walk
October 4, 2011 9 a.m. Birding and Botany Walk
October 8, 2011 Recollections Campfire. Location TBA
October 11, 2011 9 a.m. Breakfast Walk
October 15, 2011 6:30 p.m. Ah Why Knot Awards Dinner
November 9, 2011 6:30 p.m. Annual meeting, Cumberland County College, Luciano Center
CU on the River!