Echoes of LBI Spring into Summer Edition 2012

Echoes of LB I Magazine

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2012 Spring Into Summer Edition

Long Beach Island Arts and Lifestyle Magazine

Includes Film Festival Schedule

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Publisher’s Note

I

.

love the spring issue of Echoes of LBI. It gives me a chance to welcome all of my friends back to the Island. Like the season, LBI comes back from its winter slumber, slowly opening up, like the petals of spring flowers. Old Man Winter treated us to a very mild off-season. This was a beach walker’s dream — to search for sea glass and ocean treasures all winter long. The beach replenishment in Brant Beach has resulted in the return of the sand dollars. Take a walk and see what the ocean has to offer you. Bring your finds into Things A Drift for identification or save them for our sea glass festival in the fall.

Sales and rentals are very strong this spring, another possible gift of the warm weather. If you are looking to rent, don’t delay, come down and choose a rental and get your taste of LBI. If you were thinking of buying, we would love to have you join us on the Island.

I want to offer my congratulations to the Beach Haven School on its 100th anniversary! You can read about its history and enjoy some of the memories from the people who attended the school in this issue. It’s a remarkable milestone.

This spring also marked 50 years since the infamous March storm of ‘62. I remember it well, having grown up on the Island. As a child, the March storm had some benefits in my naive, young eyes. Our house was still standing, but not livable, so we got to live in Ship Bottom for five months while it was being rebuilt. My sister and I had a wonderful time making new friends and discovering hangouts in Ship Bottom. We also looked forward to our newly re-built rooms on the third floor with a bathroom just for us girls. It wasn’t until later, as an adult, mother, and homeowner, that I realized what trauma my parents and others went though.

As always, I am looking for your story and your perspective on LBI history to add to our magazine. We’ll be continuing to cover the history of the Beach Haven School, as well as the March ’62 storm, in up-coming issues of Echoes. And anyone who held the title of Miss Magic should contact us so we can continue our special section on that unique piece of LBI history.

I want to thank all who have helped get Echoes off to its spring start, starting with our new staff writer Rosemarie Sprouls. She brings special assistance to our copy editor, Kevin Rooney. Kevin, we couldn’t do it with out you. To all my hard working writers who contribute their stories and memories, I am forever grateful. And to my loyal advertisers, a big THANKS! If you are reading this, you are part of the Echoes of LBI family. Remember to shop with our advertisers, catch a sunset, find a beach treasure, make new friends, hug your old friends, share some memories, and stay in the LBI moment. It doesn’t get much better than this!

First In — DOG DAY AFTERNOON Sara Caruso photo

i n s i d e

art, 8 photography, 16 living well, 24 poetry, 28 legends and lore, 30 beach reads, 32 lifestyle, 34 marine science, 58 50 and counting, 62 looking back, 76 why you should stay, 90 film fest, 95 Echoes of LBI Magazine

Cheryl Kirby - Owner & Publisher • 609-361-1668 • 406 Long Beach Blvd • Ship Bottom • EchoesofLBI.com for online magazine and media kit All content of magazine & website remains copyright of Cheryl Kirby. No part of publication may be reproduced.

Advertisers: People collect Echoes of LBI - your ad has the potential to be seen over & over again for years to come! EchoesofLBI.com Email articles on history, nostalgia, poetry or art to: EchoesofLBI@gmail.com

Echoes Of LBI

Magazine Designer - Pete Milnes • Copy Editor - Kevin M. Rooney • Assit. Editors - Rosmary Sprouls & Christine Rooney Photographer - Marjorie Amon • Graphic Designer/Pre-Press - Vickie VanDoren • Graphic Designer - Sara Caruso Contributing Editors - Rena DiNeno, Maggie O'Neill, Ryan Marchese, Christine Rooney, Elizabeth Weber, Diane Stulga Cover photo: Ryan Marchese: See Art section for Ryan’s bio and shell description

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Sara Caruso photo

LBI girls catch the first rays of summer. Marjorie Amon photo

“One learns first of all

Two years ago, Echoes ran an interview with Heleyne Cranmer of Beach Haven, who

in beach living the art of shedding; how little one can get along with,

had recently turned 101 years old. We are happy to report that on March 22, 2012, Heleyne celebrated her 103rd birthday! Echoes of LBI would like to congratulate Heleyne on this remarkable milestone.

Happy 103rd Birthday, Heleyne!

not how much.”

- Anne Morrow Lindbergh

We wish you all the best in the coming year.

Art Ed Luterio art

Page 8 • Echoes of LBI

4 Years Running

2008, 09, 10, 11

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Art

Ed Luterio

Art by Art “ Fishing cleared my mind. When my sons caught Snappers off the dock or Blues in the bay, I was with them in their world, not in mine. But when it came to cleaning the fish, I was back. Too bad. It was great to be away for a while.”— Art Liebeskind

Page 10 • Echoes of LBI

Art

Artwork from the book Surf Angel written by Terry & Heather Kraszewski, illustrated by Bonnie Bright.

Available at Things A Drift in Ship Bottom.

Page 12 • Echoes of LBI

Cover Shell Description

C

owrie shells are among the most widely collected and sought after shells because of their smooth texture and shiny appearance. They naturally come in a wide range of colors and also present a wide range of value for collectors, from a few dollars up to hundreds or more for the most perfect or rare specimens. Cowries are gastropod mollusks, otherwise known as marine snails or sea snails, but the term “cowrie” is also used simply to refer to the shell in which a cowrie snail lives.

The Golden Cowrie (Cypraea aurantium) is the only cowrie with a vivid orange top and soft cream-colored bottom. The Golden Cowrie is a rare type found in the Indo-Pacific, reaching sizes up to 4 inches long. They live by hiding in rocks during the day and feeding on algae at night. The Sieve Cowrie (Cypraea cribraria) has a brown to dark rust orange shell, with cream-colored spots. The spots are covered with a reddish mantle until a predator approaches the Sieve Cowrie. •

Cover Photographer - Ryan Marchese Carol Freas artwork available at Things A Drift in Ship Bottom

H

aving grown up in a beach community, I have always had a fascination for the inhabitants of the ocean. Even since I was young, I dreamed of becoming a marine biologist. In fact, I began my college education by acquiring a degree in biology at Ocean County College. There, I gained a better understanding of ecology, biology, and environmental science. Next, I enrolled at the Richard Stockton College of New Jersey. During my time at Stockton, I took trips to the Florida Keys where, thanks to my scuba certifications, I did an independent study in underwater photography. Since that experience, I am rarely seen without my accompanying camera. I then moved to Florida to continue my education at Nova Southeastern University and received my M.S. in marine biology. Ultimately, though, I left the field of marine biology to further my education in photography at the Art Institute of Fort Lauderdale. I do always try, however, to incorporate my education in the sciences with my skill behind a camera. In addition to nature photography, I enjoy doing everything from candid shots at private events to portraits and everything in between. My work has been published in two books and I have won numerous photography awards. Currently, I am in the process of transferring to the Art Institute of Philadelphia to finish my degree in photography, and I look forward to a long and exciting career within the field. •

Gear Adrift

Hermit Crabs Ahoy!

Francesca and Dominic play games with Hermits

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Kelly Andrews photo

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Photography Bruce Kerr photo

Page 18 â&#x20AC;˘ Echoes of LBI

Photography Storm Watch - Pete Milnes photo

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Find your home on Long Beach Island!

“In the immediate nearness of the gold” — Robert Louis Stevenson, Treasure Island

Patrice “Pat” Albanese, Broker Associate, ABR, SRES Prudential Zack Shore Properties • 1000 Long Beach Blvd. • Ship Bottom, NJ 08008 (o) 609-494-7272 (c) 609-226-6113 • patalbanese@aol.com

Living Well

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How I Spent (the Best Part of) My Summer Vacation ...

ext to the 12 days of Christmas, my favorite season, hands down, is summer. And my favorite summer place through four decades of seasons? Long Beach Island.

LBI. This is so despite the fact I didn’t spend childhood summers there and have rarely been more than a “day tripper.” (Hey, Medford wasn’t that far. Tuckerton’s even closer.) The most memorable exception to my LBI non-residency status was the October I rented the second floor of an oceanfront house on 21st Street in Surf City. When, exactly? Well, I hoofed it down the block to Okie’s butcher shop to make my phone calls because only the likes of Michael Douglas in Wall Street carried a mobile phone, then.

Ocean or bayside, LBI has always been worth the drive to catch the sunrise and sunset sky show — and to enjoy all the sunbathing in between. And since LBI, itself, has always been the only reason I have ever needed to place myself “beside the sea,” it’s no wonder I was beside myself when I took flight last summer as the Fairy Godmother in the Surflight Theater’s production of Cinderella.

Even though I was a drama major who’d loved teaching the subject after graduating, my resume had huge holes when I arrived at the Surflight’s open audition last April. Hole number one? Let’s just say that for some of us, the ‘60s weren’t so much about peace and love as they were about “being there” for a spouse. For me, that meant “goodbye” high school drama classes and productions, and “hello” marriage and motherhood. Oh, and working the retail counter in his shop — open nights and weekends.

Staying in retail after my divorce, I jumped at the chance to transfer from New Jersey to Florida, where I spent the last years of the last century living in an East Coast beach town with its own acronym — LBTS (for Lauderdale-bythe-Sea) — and an ambience much like LBI’s. As for getting back into theater, retail schedules just aren’t compatible. When I could, I saw lots of performances, wrote some reviews, even painted an occasional set, but nothing more.

Then, the millennium arrived, bringing me the blessing of grandchildren. I transferred back north to be closer to them.

Retired at last, I got back on board — no, make that on “boards.”

I played chorus parts in the Our Gang Players’ 2009 production of Evita and their 2010 rendition of Thoroughly Modern Millie. And this past spring, I played a lead role in Thornton Wilder’s Our Town with the Little Egg Theatre Company.

Page 24 • Echoes of LBI

Upshot? Someone from the Surflight saw the show, approached the director, and suggested I attend the open audition for their summer children’s productions.

Both knees knocking, throat clogged with stage fright, I stood on the bare stage and managed to make it through enough bars of the show tune I’d prepared that I finally got to hear a disembodied voice in the dark ask me to ‘cold-read’ a chunk of script.

Very professional. Very Chorus Line — right down to the, “Thanks, we’ll be in touch.”

Voila! — no, make that Poof! They got in touch. And there I

Tanner Sutton Deuber, Jeanne Sutton, Ella Hope Deuber

was. Cinderella’s oldest cast member, by at least 30 years. Old enough to be their — who else? — Fairy Godmother.

Getting cast was one thing. Going through with it was another. I felt rusty as the Tin Man of Oz when I showed up at the Showplace Ice Cream Parlor, next door to the theater, for the first of three — count ‘em, three — days of rehearsals.

Musical director Jen Drew wheeled in an upright piano, ready to reveal the original score by Philadelphia-based composer Mary Bichner. Her charming, hummable tunes included one about jealousy for those nasty Stepsisters, another about the delights of waltzing for Cinderella and her Prince, and one about believing in magic for yours truly. Our director, John Bow, had penned the updated script. It was a fresh, funny take on the classic tale, and it appealed to me as much — no, make that more

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Living Well

August 10, 2011 @ 9:00PM

— than the bibbidi-bobbidi-boo In the one, two, three seconds version Disney has made so between my accidental tumble famous. The lines crackled with and an “Accident!” audience a Toy Story sort of wit, sure to reaction, a little voice piped up, get laughs from kids and grownas if on cue: “She fell down.” ups, alike.

“Yes,” I ad-libbed, “but I’m up Surrounded by a talented now.” And I was, with clipgroup of interns who were the board, wand, and the rest of me very definition of multi-taskers, still intact.

I was off and running — no, “I must go find Cinderella!” I make that walking — through announced, exiting up the aisle. the Surflight’s new CinderI made it to the lobby before a ella. The director’s energy and much better line came to me: encouragement never flagged.

“Gee, I should’ve said, ‘Last Neither did the musical directime I did that, I could fly.’” ☆ ☆ tor’s patience. The rest of the Everybody agreed. We also cast ignored our age difference. agreed it wasn’t worth another A Night of Musical Parody and Entertainment We were all too focused on gettumble over the footlights. But ting the blocking, the lines, and it sure made a great “remember the cues down. Fast. when” anecdote.

The costume shop came How did the rest of Cindernext, where more interns stood ella’s run go? At the traditional ready, willing, and able to add “happy hands” post show meetfinishing touches to costumes the-cast, we heard over and they had pre-selected or to over how much fun everyone start a new one from scratch, had. Grown-ups enjoyed the if needed. First thought on emphasis on Cinderella being 1 seeing mine? Perfect, if you’re rewarded for her unselfish kindKate Smith singing God Bless ness. Kids loved being part of America. It was a multi-layered — and I do mean multi! — lithat live-connect thing they don’t get any other way — or Wii, lac chiffon number, seriously spangled, and poufy to the point come to think of it. of silliness. They topped it off with gauzy, glittering wings and Surflight education director Jen Drew (yes, she was Cindera pair of magic antennae made from glitter pipe cleaners. More ella’s music director, as well) promises more of the same this glitter — natch — on my magic wand. Even the clipboard that season, at daytime, as well as evening, performances. “Interns held my Godmother “to-do” list (a touch of that 21st century and apprentices are the foundation of the Surflight Children’s Toy Story wit) glittered.

Theatre,” she told me recently. “They attend classes, workHard to believe, but we got it all together in those three short shops, and seminars designed just for them. They have the days — actually, not even whole days, since the interns had opportunity to work alongside professionals with credits ranging classes and workshops in the afternoon and various duties with from Broadway to film and TV.” the main stage nighttime productions. We got the lyrics. We got By the end of Cinderella’s 5-week run, I was comfortably the lines. And when we got to the main stage — the afternoon of back in a “theater groove” that felt every bit as good as it did opening night — everywhere you turned there was evidence of when I was the same age as my cast mates. Utmost respect a job well done. Props, sound, set, lighting, stage management for them? You bet. Are they “ordinary” young people? Sure.

— all those elements, seen and unseen, that are so easy to take for Glued to their Smartphones and iPads off stage? Yep. Goofy, granted and so impossible to perform without. All stood waiting giddy, living it up through their “summer job at the shore?” Of for the curtain to go up. Up it went, and on went the show! course. Making memories they’ll cherish in years to come?

Butterflies galore? Sure. But I was oh-so-ready for the first Goes without saying. Underpaid? Yes, that, too. But mere inof my two Poof! entries, each perfectly enhanced by a backcome can’t hold a candle — no, make that a footlight — to what stage smoke machine. Out I swirled, in search of Cinderella, they get in return. crisscrossing the curved front of the stage, once, twice, just as My wish — if I had a Fairy Godmother, that is — should be I’d rehearsed it. The third time, though, I flew right over the obvious by now. Forget the handsome Prince. Come this sumfootlights, instead of going down the side stairs and up the aisle. mer, I wanna be taking flight, again. Or— believe in magic?

I’d rehearsed it that way, but not with the house lights entirely — maybe even land a spot as the Surflight’s oldest intern. Ever. off and the follow-spot entirely on.

— Jeanne Sutton •

INTERNCABARET

SURFLIGHT INTERNS Believe in Magic

Page 26 • Echoes of LBI

Shells Are My Game.

B

Natural Nautical Design by Cheryl

ring the beauty of the ocean into your home with Natural Nautical Design by Cheryl. Decorating your mantel, curio cabinets or room with natural gifts from the sea lends a special serenity to any home. Whether it’s a small arrangement of shells or a large design for your living room or patio area, Cheryl will enhance any space to your specification. For 35 years, Cheryl Kirby of “Things A-Drift” in Ship Bottom has been arranging nautical designs as well as selling precious treasures from the sea.

Her expertise on design and knowledge of all things nautical has been sought by shore-loving homeowners both nationally and here on LBI. Things-a-Drift has the largest selection of high grade shells on the east coast, including a perfect specimen of a Queen Helmet and a 525 pound Tridacna. These rare and beautiful shells are a fitting addition for your spa or poolside area. Other popular design choices include table top corals up to thirty inches in size. Cheryl will visit your home personally, or consult with you via the internet. In fact, the wall pictured here is from a house in Florida. The home owners selected their shells from Things-a-Drift during a visit to the Island. Emailing her the dimensions and pictures of the room they were chosen for, Cheryl sent a layout of her design. Delighted with the plan, the owners had the shells shipped and the result was a beautiful, decorative display.

Create your own feng shui with gifts from the sea and professional nautical design by Cheryl.

Poetry Beach Stars Shells pattern the sand like constellations.

Wet from the sea, they reflect the morning sun, glistening like stars; A galaxy beneath my feet.

Overhead, Orion, Cassiopeia, and Perseus gaze down upon The ocean’s milky way.

As above, so below.

The balance of the universe unfolds.

— Maggie O’Neill Irene

I visit the shore days after Irene, amazed at what I’ve just seen: A flat, clean beach, sand pure and white, a cloudless sky, such a glorious sight.

A churning sea, the waves still high, groups of gulls swooping down from the sky.

While people bike and others run, a sense of relief to return to summer’s fun.

— Lynn Reebe

Crab Brain

Pat Morgan art

I thought as hard as I could Using my primitive brain To find the right answer To this critical refrain, Do I eat him, Or Does he eat me?

On this vital issue He and I might not agree, But if my brain Has only a hunch, I may end up As somebody’s lunch.

— Richard Morgan Page 28 • Echoes of LBI

The Beach Bench There are different kinds of benches.

The judge’s bench where authority decides, The park bench where shady trees cool, The church bench where prayers are said, But think of the beach bench.

The bench that sits at the top of the dune And bears the hottest sun, Sits under the brightest stars, Soaks up the heaviest rains, Wears dripping ice cream from melting cones, Is dusted with sand, Plays host to giggling friends, Tired grandparents, Sweethearts old and newThoughts and dreams can be born here.

The beach bench can be a place to make decisions, Rest and pray.

With sounds of sea and surf as music That plays day and night.

Over and over through time and tide, The song is the same and yet always different.

It is a place of peace.

It is a place of memories.

And when I sit on that bench, It is like being with a dear friend.

Ruth Kramer text & art, August 14, 2011

Whale Big, Water animal Ocean Swimming, Eating, Cloud Blue, Creatures Destroying, One swims in White, Fluffy Glistening, Shimmering, Beach the ocean, One flies in the air Moving, Hiding, Swimming, Has sharks in it, Wet, Sandy Zooming, Flying, Biting Shaping, Looking so Made out of Sand, Burning, Swimming, Running, Small, Winged high up, Down below so Sparkling, Surfing Playing, Get a nice tan, Fly Green ,Waving, Growing, White, Sand Crabs Can see a bear, Camping, -Aidan O. Sunrise Feeding, Green, Silky Beach Laughing, Singing, 9 Sea Colorful, Grass -Sharissa W. Delightful, Green Roaring, Bright, Rising, -Jordan L. 9 Forest Swirling, Appearing, Morning, 10 -Erika Z. Day Rushing, Crashing, One shining at day, One 10 Light, Clouds Splashing, Sea is cool and gleaming at night, Setting, Waking, Blooming, wet, Land is dry and warm, Disappearing, Fading, Moon Morning, Eating Breakfast, Quaking, Shaking, Dim, Night Pretty, Having dinner, Sleeping, Trembling, Still, Hard Sunset Skateboard White,Relaxing, Drifting, Snoozing Land -Ava R. Fun, Tricks Loving, Lighting, Dark, Stars -Bryce R. 9 Riding, Standing, Makes you tired, Night 10 Jumping, Going fast and Wakes you up, Shining, -Paul A. Boat pushing, Ride on the water Warming, Burning, 9 Shiny, Big Throwing, Skimming, Speeding, Bright, Warm Pounding, Fiberglass, Water Sun Traveling, Fishing, Skimboard -Keely S. Dolphin Summer You smell diesel fuel, You -Kyle M. 10 Gray, Smooth Humid, Moisture, go very fast, Skimming, 10 Swimming, Playing, Planting, Swimming, Zooming, Speeding, Diving, One lives in the Running, Summer is very hot, Quick, Small Water, One lives in the woods Winter is very cold, Snowing, Jet Ski Howling, Running, Eating Plowing, Sledding, -Cole R. Dolphin Hairy, Dog-like, Cold, Slippery 10 Graceful, Smart, Wolf Winter Summer Swimming, Jumping, -Kaydee C. -Ohanna W. Forest Exciting, Hot Diving, Mammals in the 9 9 Green, Shadowy, Playing, Fishing, water, Predators in the forest, Swooshing, Ringing, Swimming, Enjoying Running, Eating, Hunting, Swaying, Clustered with the sun, Enjoying the snow Penguin Cute, Furry trees, Sandy and hot, Skating, Skiing, Snowboarding Flightless, Bear Lightening, Spiking, Heating, Thrilling, Cold Guppy Seabird, Swimming, -Leah K. Unpredictable, Dangerous Winter Tropical, Small, Waddling, Sliding, Lives 9 Desert -Eldrich G. Swimming, Bubbling, In Cold Antarctica, Lives in -Lucas M. 10 Performing, Found in an warm Africa, Running, 10 aquarium, Found in the ocean, Puffing, Flapping, eating, Swimming, Killing, Fast, Gigantic Deadly, Huge Ostrich Shark -Veronica R. -Benjamin R. 10 9

Legends & Lore

The Faerie Circle

O

n our last trip to LBI, my boyfriend, Dave, and I decided to take a trip down to Barnegat Lighthouse. This would be our final time to hunt for some driftwood and sea glass before the chills of winter put the North East in a deep freeze. The air was still pretty mild, and we were right on time for low tide, the best time of day to search for beach treasures. Little did I know I was going to come upon a special treasure that day.

We started at the end of the jetty, walking an easy pace for surveying the shoreline. Dave has a great eye for sea glass and, in short order, we had a few nice pieces.

I was looking for old weathered pieces of dune fence that had broken away and become bleached by the sun and worn smooth by the sand and ocean. I use these old slats in my art work.

After walking about a mile and half, we had collected quite a nice bounty of glass, shells, and wood. Dave even found an old coke bottle, patented 1927! There was not a crack or chip, and it was frosted beautifully from the time it had spent rolling around at the bottom of the ocean. (We are a shoe-in to win something at the next LBI Sea Glass Festival!)

We decided to take a different route back to the car. There was an entrance to a wood walkway that lay behind the dunes.

The sun was going down. The sky was just the way I love it — that pinky red color, like someone had taken a watercolor brush to it. That’s when I first noticed it. It was a faerie circle — a small group a mushrooms, formed a circle in the sand. I had never seen a mushroom in the dunes before, let alone a faerie circle.

As a child, I read many stories about fairies, pixies, elves, and sprites, and my favorite story of all is about the faerie circle.

Page 30 • Echoes of LBI

Centuries ago, the appearance of a circle of mushrooms was seen as a mystery. People believed some magical force had caused the ring and, surely, this magical force must be the faeries. Legend says the ring appears in a spot after the faeries have danced there all night in the moonlight. Some rings can be very small, but some are up to thirty feet in diameter.

Legend says entering a faerie circle can be extremely bad luck. Some say people who have stepped into a ring have been kidnapped by the faeries, never to be seen again. Others say, if you venture into a faerie ring, you will dance until you die.

I warned Dave of the danger. He simply smiled and gave me that “you’re-in-another-world-again” look. We took some pictures, assuring I would have proof of my find. Then, I made him walk quickly away so as not to disturb any faeries that might happen to be lingering.

So, if you ever come upon a circle of mushrooms, be very careful not to step into the ring. Even if you don’t believe in faeries, it is always better to be safe than sorry.

— Kim Bald text & photo •

Natural & Handmade on America’s Pirate Coast!

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Beach Reads

Sea Glass Hearts — by Josie Iselin.

Available at Things A Drift in Ship Bottom, Long Beach Island.

Sea Glass Hearts, published for Valentines Day, 2012, is a companion volume.

With a heart to find on every page these stunning images of sea glass will captivate every kind of beachcomber. Ranging from the classic greens and browns to rich red, amber, white, and aqua, this collection of sea glass is breathtaking.

The text is one continuous poem depicting that moment of discovery when we find a piece of sea glass at the waters edge: “true love found, at oceans edge ... hiding in plain sight among the chattering pebbles ... our currency of love.” Once again our love for the beach is confirmed in a tiny, perfect package. •

Heart Stones — by Josie Iselin.

Available at Things A Drift in Ship Bottom, Long Beach Island.

Heart Stones, published in 2008 has been a runaway hit among ocean and beach lovers of all sorts. A simple collection of amazing heart stones, each stone is paired with a single word about love.

“A heart stone is one of nature’s gifts.

Heart stones are not rare or precious in the typical sense — a good scour of a beach with any stones at all will usually turn up one or two heart-shaped stones. But heart stones, lifted from their obscurity, with all of their cracks and blemishes, lopsided and imperfect, are simply the best find on any beach. Beachcombers collect them, keep them as talismans, and give them to friends and lovers.” JLI •

Page 32 • Echoes of LBI

Beach Reads

Richard Morgan will be at Things A Drift, June 9, noon, for a reading and book signing.

About the Author and the Artist Richard and Pat Morgan live, write and paint on Long Beach Island where the wind and the waves fight for their attention.

Sea Glass People: Portraits in Words and Watercolors is their second collaboration of Richard’s poetry and Pat’s watercolors. Their first, I Am Sea Glass – A Collection of Poetic Pieces, was published in 2011. Together, they paint portraits that reflect each other like polished mirrors.

La Spiaggia 357 W. 8th Street. Ship Bottom Long Beach Island 609-494-4343 LaSpiaggialbi.com

Lifestyle

The Science of Seeing Light F

Smarter

lighting on

L BI

rank Lloyd Wright once observed, “More and more, so it seems to me, light is the beautifier of the building.” Indeed, in the words of renowned lighting engineer and entrepreneur, Dr. Thomas Farin, “Light is the first element of design; without it there is no color, form, or texture.” For most of human existence, though, the light we have lived by has been essentially beyond our control — as in sunrise and sunset. But much has been “illuminated” in the modern age. Fortunately, we now have the technology to create light and to make light work for us in ever-expanding ways.

Whether it’s your alarm clock or the morning sun shining through your bedroom window that moves you into a new day, your first interaction with light is typically seamless and unnoticed. Natural or man-made light gets you out of bed, drives you safely to work, and transitions you from a lit room to exterior walkways. Over time, we have managed our transition from twilight into darkness through a series of ever-improving technologies — the torch, the glass lantern, the incandescent lamp. And now we have an even more efficient light source, the LED (light-emitting diode) light, an electronic semiconductor device that emits light when an electric current passes through it.

“The recent step into LED lighting is a result of the worldwide push to be more Page 34 • Echoes of LBI

“The principal person in a picture is light.”

-Edouard Manet

Bayfront fire feature with landscape lighting and stonework accent lights to illuminate outside of the stonework.

Gerbino Project – North Beach

Lifestyle conservative in how we use our natural resources,” says Tanek communication and lighting education as the driving forces Hood, Reynolds Landscaping’s lighting designer. Reynolds has behind a great lighting design and implementation plan. The been creating functional and innovative lighting systems on LBI science is in the shadows, angles, beam strengths, and optics. for over 16 years, and Hood has managed its lighting division Moreover, many of those features can be brought to light with since 2003. As the lighting industry itself has advanced, Hood color, as with Reynolds’ 2012 award-winning waterfront dock has made sure that Reynolds stays abreast of all of the developlighting project designed by Hood (the Coulson dock project in ments in landscape and waterfront dock lighting. By staying on Harvey Cedars, as pictured here). The underwater fishing lights the cutting edge of illumination science, he can offer his clients and side mount dock lights provide a unique visual appeal. You state of the art lighting options that will enhance their property can visit the awards link at www.aolponline.org. values and add that special “wow” factor.

In addition to its many design/build projects, Reynolds also Landscape lighting is definitely the new hot thing to upgrade services and upgrades any lighting system for improved efin your home. Landscape lighting can create a wash of light, ficiency and dramatic appeal. Their turn-key lighting service transition moonlighting, dramatic lighting, task lighting, and works from inside the home and out and is bolstered by Reynmore. It adds to a home’s beauty, value, and security. It’s posolds’ long-standing relationship with a reliable, licensed electrisible, says Hood, to start small and then build on the system’s cian. This allows Reynolds to blend the creativity and scientific foundation to expand when it seems right for you. The perforknowledge of its lighting team with the electrician’s focus on mance and versatility of the fixture is what you need to consider, function and utility. and always buying the best products available is essential to “Lighting is the most important component of daily living,” a job well done. “Quality, well-constructed fixtures will last Hood says. “If designed and formed to fit my client’s way of decades, even on LBI.” life and preferences, a Reynolds lighting system improves the Of course, having a professional evaluate your needs and deway you read a book, entertain company, walk the dog, clean a sign the lighting system certainly maximizes the outcome. “It’s fish, and go to sleep. Good lighting creates an emotional relareally more than choosing the right hardware, although that’s tionship with your home and landscape.” important, too,” says Hood. “When you work with light as it re- — Annaliese Jakimides text, Tanek Hood photos • lates to people and nature, you learn what light really does. It’s just as important not to use too much as it is not to use too little.”

Reynolds Lighting Design — Today, lighting designers now have new and exciting options “Science of Seeing the Light” Seven key parameters: in efficient lighting, with 12 Volt LED and 12 Volt Halogen Cohesive, functional lighting systems lighting systems available to them, both of which Reynolds uses Energyand conservation-driven LED and Halogen systems in its designs. The more recent addition to the toolbox of the Durability in fit and finish of all lighting components lighting professional, a well-made LED lamp or fixture, has an Blending interior, exterior, and landscape lighting average lifespan of 40,000 hours, well over 10 years, with up to Professional, attentive technicians who care about the delivered project 75 percent in energy savings.

Home automation controlled lighting systems In the harsh coastal environment of Long Beach Island, the Providing beautiful, subtle, useful light science of light comes into play through the combination of durable lighting products, optimal fixture location, and the interplay of the brightness and warmth of the lighting levels across the site. All lighting designers are now playing with LED — the future is here. LED lighting allows for flexibility in design and, perhaps more importantly, assures the homeowner that he/she is adding components to the property’s lighting system that will last a lifetime.

The science of seeing the light stresses the importance of both education and implementation. Indeed, a key factor that gives Reynolds a competitive edge is the combination of a hands-on, from-the-ground-up understanding of electrical systems and light and Hood’s on-going formal education. Hood will complete his four-year Certified Outdoor Lighting Designer course through the Association of Outdoor Lighting Professionals (AOLP) in 2014. Moreover, all other members of the Reynolds’ lighting team have completed one or more certification and training courses with the Illuminating Engineering Society, the International Dark-Sky Association, and Dock lighting achieved by installing an underwater fish attracting light with side AOLP. mount dock piling fixtures spaced evenly across the deck platform.

Coulson Project - Harvey Cedars Working as a design/build team, Reynolds relies on Page 36 • Echoes of LBI

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Lifestyle

An Unexpected Treasure I

n 1970, Dave DiEugenio was offered a teaching position at Southern Regional High School in Manahawkin, New Jersey. Accepting the job, however, required Dave to move his wife Marylou and their three young boys from Downingtown, PA to South Jersey. Reluctantly, Marylou agreed to the move, so long as there was grass!

They looked at and liked a house in Barnegat Light that met Marylou’s inviolable condition: it had a lawn. Knowing that this would be the largest investment the young family had ever made, though, they ultimately opted to buy a little further north on the mainland. In the end, they decided against being so close to the ocean, fearing future storms similar to the hurricane that had devastated so much of the north end of LBI less than ten years earlier. So, instead, they bought their first home in Toms River, where there was a yard for the boys and plenty of space for Marylou’s garden. During their years in Toms River, though, they enjoyed the beaches north of LBI and developed a true appreciation for Shore living ... as well as the dream of owning a beach house. Later, they moved a little further south to Forked River.

After the move to Forked River, Dave retired from Southern Regional, after a long and successful career as a biology teacher and football coach. New adventures now awaited Dave and Marylou in retirement, and it wouldn’t take long before the first one presented itself. One day early in retirement, Dave drove over the Causeway leading to LBI and experienced that “AHHH” moment that is so familiar to those who love this Island. He then drove north on Central Page 38 • Echoes of LBI

The Carol Freas Beach Badge Collection. Marjorie Amon photo

surf city marina “Our Newest Edition”

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Lifestyle Avenue and saw something that brought him face-to-face with After doing some research, however, Marylou discovered that his long-standing dream of living at the beach — a house for her beach badge collection, although impressive, was not fully sale in Surf City! He called the number on the sign to get more complete. Alas, the beach badge requirement was first instituted information, and things started to move rapidly. Within days, in Surf City in 1967, so badges for 1967-1970 were missing. after he and Marylou had looked at the house, they decided it (The earlier beach badges may be missing because badge checkwas time to pursue their first retirement adventure and made the ing was not as rigorous a process then as it is now and, therefore, decision to buy. They were on their way to realizing their dream compliance may not have been quite as extensive, either.) of having a home on LBI! The house had “good bones,” but needed some major updating before they could move in. So, they solicited their family and friends to help with their vision, and completed the renovation process in a two-month whirlwind of activity.

Marylou was particularly enthused about being able to use her background in art, when she chose the colors and decorating style to refresh and brighten up their newly acquired Shore house.

Many Shore homes change hands over the years, often with a large portion of the The DiEugenio Surf City Beach Badge Collection. Vickie VanDoren photo contents remaining for the new owner to sort through. This house was no exception.

In any event, Marylou sees the 4-year gap in her beach badge The DiEugenios’ proud acquisition had many items in the shed collection, not as a problem, but as an exciting challenge. The that were useful during the renovation process. But there was DiEugenios now have a new quest to pursue in retirement — this one box containing what seemed to be nothing more than Surf City beach badges for 1967 through 1970. Indeed, Marylou some sewing items, and Marylou simply chose to ignore it until is quite excited to complete her newly discovered collection by the renovation was complete, when she would have more time to either trading for or buying the missing badges. So, if you hapsort through it. When she did finally find the time to investigate pen to have any leads, please let us know, here at Echoes of LBI! the contents further, though, Marylou discovered there was more Though it took some time, Dave and Marylou have fulfilled than just a few sewing notions in the box. Lo and behold, the one of their biggest dreams and now own a home on LBI to box also stored a collection of Surf City beach badges — in fact, share with their sons and grandchildren. So, for all of you who beach badges dating all the way back to 1971! share that same dream, keep hoping and keep your options open.

Even better, once Marylou organized these little administrative You never know when your dream of owning a piece of LBI will relics, she realized that she was now the proud owner of a beach become a reality. When it does, though, keep your eyes open, as badge for every single year since 1971, with no exceptions. well. You, too, may be lucky enough to find a box left behind Suddenly, she had a collection that would be the envy of many by the former owner containing a little piece of history and of an Island enthusiast! She had found an unexpected treasure.

LBI summers gone by. — Vickie VanDoren • Page 40 • Echoes of LBI

Echoes gives back.

MOVIES AND FILM FESTIVALS

ART CLASSES º KID’S ART

AND SCIENCE SUMMER CAMPS

CERAMICS CLASSES SCIENCE PROGRAMS AND TOURS

YOGA º PILATES º ZUMBA

ART EXHIBITS TENNIS TOURNAMENTS AND CLINICS

AND A WHOLE LOT MORE! The Long Beach Island Foundation of the Arts and Sciences (LBIF) is Long Beach Island’s premier location for arts, cultural, and educational activities for the entire family. The LBIF is a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit organization that has served the community since 1948. From free art exhibitions with works by internationally celebrated artists to yoga, tennis, and family theatre, there’s something for everyone at the LBIF. Visit the LBIF’s main gallery, a 4,000 square foot exhibit space hosting artwork in all media or attend one of the LBIF’s many highly anticipated events hosted each summer. Interested in receiving a brochure on all of the LBIF’s programs and activities? Learning more is easy. Stop by to take a look around, we’re free to visit. Register for a class, visit our website, or give us a call.

Lifestyle

Shelldhwani Speaker Update

I

n Echoes of LBIâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s 2011 Midsummer Dream Edition, we introduced you to an exciting new product â&#x20AC;&#x201D; acoustic speakers made of natural seashells â&#x20AC;&#x201D; known as Shelldhwani speakers. Theyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve been a big hit with a number of our readers! So, for all you audiophiles out there, hereâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s an update.

Do you prefer your own personalized musical play list when youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re enjoying the sun and fun of LBIâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s beaches or sipping your favorite cold beverage on the deck? Well, with the newly updated version of the Shelldhwani acoustic speaker, you can now do just that, while experiencing this exciting new technology. Â Now, you can simply plug your iPod directly into a set of Shelldhwani speakers, and the only source of power youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll need is your iPod! Â These natural shell speakers blend superior audio quality with the mystique of Kashmiri design, and they now come with a beautiful updated base created by the speakerâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s inventor, Vinod Goswami. Â Each natural component is hand embellished and assembled in the USA. Â The latest units are made from Melo Melo, Tonna Oleria, and Nautilus shells.

Shelldhwani speakers were on display at the Mini Sea Glass and Art Festival at Things A Drift in October 2011, and the response was â&#x20AC;&#x153;resounding,â&#x20AC;? to say the least. Â Since then, the creator of the Shelldhwani acoustic speaker has enhanced his designs based on the comments and suggestions of last yearâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s attendees. Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s an exciting new technology thatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s getting better and better, thanks to you!

If you are interested in purchasing this amazing new product or if youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;d like additional information, please visit www.shelldhwani.com or email Vinod Goswami at: shelldhwani@yahoo.com. â&#x20AC;˘

Save These Dates June 9, Noon Book Signing and Reading

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Lifestyle

Page 44 â&#x20AC;˘ Echoes of LBI

Magical

Moment M

ost romantics who spend a week, month, or summer on Long Beach Island can be found bayside at sunset. If the Island were afloat, it certainly would tip west when the sun begins its fiery descent, casting crimson shadows against a clarity of blue that only we Islanders know is the gift of light from the sea. Reflection is what we seek at sunset, and I collected plenty on a perfect eventide last summer.

“Oh my God, Oh my God, Oh, Oh,” followed by a hesitant sniffle, and a lingering sigh. I heard this over my right shoulder. I was sitting on a piling, my small Irish harp balanced on a whaler. The sky was an image out of a Turner painting, every spectrum of orange and pink partnering at the horizon. I came to the Bay that day to disconnect from the busy buzz, to share the soothing feeling I get from my strings with neighbors and visitors who gather to bid a summer’s day farewell. My husband and I had been taking turns performing; he’s a bagpiper.

We are never scheduled or dependable; we take our cues from some invisible inspiration and decide pretty spontaneously to play at sunset or not. The bagpipes, of course, beckon from far and wide, while the harp more demurely whispers to those close by. So, on this particular quite random day, I was enjoying the company of a few neighbors and had begun my second set when the dramatic scene began to unfold behind me.

I have played the harp for many years; actually, when asked how long, my response is: “That’s like asking my age.” And over those years, the innumerable weddings have provided quite a collage of stories — fainting brides, nose bleeding grooms, a crying groom who couldn’t get through his vows, an anxious bride who couldn’t stop laughing. After years of many compelling distractions, I can pretty much play despite disruption, so I didn’t stop when I heard the sniffling and sighing. I finished one of my favorite tunes, We Brought the Summer with Us, before I turned to see what had happened. I nearly missed it altogether.

On the Bay, at the end of the street where my husband Kevin and I summer, is a bench.

Seated on the edge of the bench was a young woman, her right hand wiping tears from her face.

Her left hand was held by a gentleman on his knee. He had just slipped a ring on her finger. I felt like I was intruding, but also like I was part of the scenery — Shakespearean, essential. I started another melody, a pretty one called Women of Ireland. I knew I was part of this moment, but couldn’t help but think: “This lucky guy! He couldn’t have planned it better.”

Happenstance is often the queen of beautiful moments. So many couples spend years planning their wedding days knowing they can’t count on the weather. This fellow nailed it ... for the proposal, at least. We can only hope that their wedding is as beautiful as the magical moment they shared at their engagement. When I finished playing, they had gone. No word, no acknowledgement. I sometimes joke that harpists are like cake decorations; just as the look of a rosette made of icing is nearly as important as its taste, the visual presented by a harpist is nearly as important as her sound. That day, I was part tableau, pulling strings in the breeze, a silhouette in twilight. — Rosemarie Sprouls • Rosemarie and Kevin Sprouls. Cheryl Kirby photo

Jersey Shore Harpist Rosemarie Sonye Sprouls jerseyshoreharpist@gmail.com

Lifestyle

N

Natalie’s

atalie Pinto Altonjy has been singing as long as she can remember. She recalls winning her first talent show while traveling on “The Olympia Ship” with her parents and sister from her native country of Italy, when she moved to America as a young girl.

Growing up in New Jersey, Natalie participated in and won countless talent shows. Once, she even won a talent show while opening for Pat Boone, one of the original crooners from the 1950s and 1960s.

At the age of thirteen, Natalie recorded her first original Italian song, Arrivederci Amore Mio, which launched the start of her singing career. Throughout her teens, Natalie recorded a series of singles and produced her first album, Arrivederci. When she recorded her third single, Sogno Di Primavera, it became such a huge hit in Italy that it landed on the top 100 in Italian Pop and stayed on the charts for twenty weeks. The song also launched Natalie’s first European tour. She toured Italy and performed with some of the greatest artists in the Italian music industry.

Natalie recalls singing with some of her favorites, such as Claudio Villa, Lucio Dalla, Al Bano and Romina Power, the late Al Martino, and Pepino DiCapri, to name a few.

During her high school years, Natalie played the lead role in many school plays. In her senior year of high school, she received the award for Best Actress in a Musical, which was performed at Ryder College. As much as Natalie’s father encouraged her to pursue her singing career, he was also a realist and insisted she go to college to pursue a degree in music. So, at the age of eighteen, she enrolled in William Paterson College to Page 46 • Echoes of LBI

study music while still continuing to sing at various venues. She also attended the American Musical and Dramatic Academy (AMDA) in New York City. After graduating college, Natalie continued to sing and perform. During this time period, she recorded and produced her second CD, Passport, in four different languages: English, Spanish, French, and Italian. By the time she was an adult, Natalie was able to sing and speak in all four languages fluently. Passport truly boosted her career and landed her many singing gigs in a variety of venues, including cruise ships, music festivals, concerts, and theatres. According to Natalie, “It was an amazing time in my life and career. I was doing what I love and enjoy most and getting paid for it at the same time, while traveling around the world. How could it not be the best job ever?” A while ago, Natalie produced and released her latest CD, Resta Cu’mme, which is sung completely in Italian.

Natalie has continued to stay very active in her singing career and even finds time to offer private music lessons, as well. But performing takes a lot of physical endurance, and so staying fit is also a big part of her lifestyle. In fact, as busy as she has always been, Natalie even found the time and energy to open up a private fitness center in Northern New Jersey, after taking the time to acquire certification in fitness education. She is, and always has been, in great shape. Her lifestyle includes a dedicated daily exercise routine and a healthy diet. But her fitness center brought her an unexpected bonus as well. It was at the center where she met her husband and best friend, Lawrence

Song

Robert Sakson is one of New Jerseyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s most accomplished watercolorists.

Robert is a Fellow of the American Watercolor Society and the New Jersey Watercolor Society. His art portrays LBI scenes and landmarks.

All artwork available at Things A Drift in Ship Bottom, N.J.

Lifestyle

Altonjy, who served as the supplier of the center’s exercise equipment. They became acquainted, sparks flew, and in 1999, they were married. Lawrence is now Natalie’s business manager and is always by her side, gleaming with pride. After living in the City for a couple of years, they decided to relocate to Ocean County, on the Jersey Shore. Like so many other residents of this area, Natalie and Lawrence were attracted to the beautiful beaches.

More recently, Natalie began a new chapter in her life. Although she still sings and performs throughout the world, she is also inspiring others to pursue a career in music through her work at Barnegat High School (BHS). Natalie was hired as its vocal director seven years ago, a job she loves and continues to cherish. “I am passionate about teaching; therefore, sharing my knowledge of music comes with rewarding gratification. I am extremely satisfied and proud of all my students at BHS.” In addition to teaching, Natalie is a mentor and role model for many students who have also chosen to pursue a career in music. The pride she takes in this role is clear: “I have been so blessed to have this talent. I am grateful that I can share it with others and inspire them to study music and love it as much as I do. I feel this is my way of giving back something of what has brought me so much joy and success in my life.” Natalie has mentored many students throughout the years and is proud of them all, developing close relationships with many of them along the way.

Natalie has always been grateful for her parents’ love and support. Her father was the person who influenced and guided her into a music career. Although Natalie’s father is no longer with her, she believes everything she is and has achieved is due to his inspiration, determination, and sacrifice. Natalie is truly Page 48 • Echoes of LBI

thankful for the two men in her life who have supported her unconditionally — her father, Umberto Pinto, and her husband, Lawrence.

When Natalie is not inspiring her students, she is pleasing audiences throughout the world with her exceptional singing voice. During the summer, she travels on musical tours. Last year, for example, she toured Europe. This summer, she will be a bit closer to home, beginning her tour in Gloucester, Massachusetts and then heading to such places as Ohio, Chicago, South Carolina, and Florida. Recently, she sang the National Anthem at a sporting event during one of the famed Gasparilla Festivals in Tampa, Florida for an audience of approximately 100,000 people. She loves the National Anthem and has been singing it at this event for the past ten years. “The larger the audience, the more excited I am to sing,” she laughs. And, believe me, the audiences get excited too! If you get the chance, do yourself a favor and go see Natalie perform live. She is truly a musical star. — Rena DiNeno •

Lifestyle

Mother Nature Strikes The Island

W

hen Dad reached for his prescription medication, I knew we had convinced him to leave.

Hurricane Irene was barreling up the coast and meteorologists reported her northward route aimed for Long Beach Island. Earlier that Thursday morning, my eighty-fouryear-old father firmly directed my sister Lynne and me to take our families off the island on Friday, although he planned to stay.

“Dad, you have to leave, too,” said Lynne. Governor Christie was scheduled to make an announcement at five o’clock.

Lines of cars jammed entrances to gas stations. Employees at Walter’s Bicycle Shop boarded up its windows and the thrum of traffic grew louder. Both Holiday Inns off the island were booked. By 4:00pm, the foreboding gray skies meant cutting short our summer trip and disappointing our families.

Two days earlier, the first warning struck. Arriving on the island with my husband Gary, daughters Melissa and Kristin, we rented a cottage in Surf City, a half mile from Dad’s house in Ship Bottom. We unpacked quickly to take advantage of the sunny late August day. Despite all my years living in Massachusetts, I still brim with excitement when first sinking my toes into LBI’s beautiful beaches, unlike anything I experience on the New England coastline.

We settled into our chairs and ten minutes later the earth shook. Literally. A distinct rocking motion no more than an inch under my seat accompanied a muted rumble. Instantly, I thought: earthquake. But a sliver of doubt caused me to reconsider, No, it couldn’t be. A few seconds of stillness preceded another rocking motion and rumble. I put my hands to either side of my chair as if to gain balance, grazing the warm sand.

In that moment, suddenly aware of the enormity of the universe and the power of nature, my body felt miniature.

Gary rose, trying to shake off what he thought was his own dizziness. As soon as he stood, he realized the motion wasn’t in his body.

“Was that an earthquake? I think that was an earthquake,” I said to Gary. We locked eyes then simultaneously looked at our daughters.

I searched my beach bag for my cell phone and called Dad. “Did you feel that?” I asked.

“You’re damn right, I felt it,” he said. “The whole house shook.”

“Put on the TV and I’ll call you back to find out what happened.”

My heart raced. The devastating images of the earthquakes and tsunamis in Thailand and Japan flashed in my head. If it Page 50 • Echoes of LBI

could happen there, why couldn’t it happen here in New Jersey? We appeared safe, but would we stay safe?

Instinctively, I turned toward the ocean anticipating a tsunami. How soon could that happen after a quake? Would we have enough time to get off the beach to a safe location?

Where would we go? I turned to my family and said, “If the water starts to recede suddenly, head for the hills.” My daughter Melissa hadn’t heard that expression, so I explained that it meant to seek higher ground where the water couldn’t reach her. She scooted closer to Gary and said, “I don’t feel safe here.” Her lips quivered and she asked Gary to take her home – to Massachusetts, not back to the cottage. Gary reminded her that the lifeguards and police would have come and ordered us off the beach if we weren’t safe.

All summer I waited in Massachusetts to relax on the beach at LBI and now there was no way that was going to happen. I kept looking for any indication of the waters to recede. Then I’d check the egress for a police officer or firefighter. Ten minutes passed before I got another connection to Dad. He said the newscasters reported the earthquake hit Virginia. We were safe in New Jersey. What we didn’t know then was that Irene planned to make an unforgettable appearance. We stayed on the beach a little while longer, albeit restlessly.

The next day brought more threatening reports about Hurricane Irene and the day after that it worsened to evacuation status. A fire truck cruised up and down the streets with a firefighter on a megaphone ordering a mandatory evacuation.

Roads started to flood. Surfers ran from the beach. A steady stream of traffic leaving the island in pelting rain and high winds convinced us that we’d have to change our plans and leave that night instead of the following morning.

While Dad stuffed his suitcase, Lynne and I filled a Ziploc bag with his last water bill, electric bill and the yellow tag that would allow him back on the island to prove he was a year-round resident. Then we secured all the outdoor furniture, flower pots and awnings.

We kissed Dad goodbye and returned to the cottage to pack up during the gathering night winds and sideways rain. We left the island late that evening and Dad left with Lynne the following morning. After watching scenes of hurricane and tornado destruction in other parts of the country, he said more than once, “I hope my house is still standing.”

Fortunately, Hurricane Irene spared our beloved LBI. Apparently, her eye rolled northward, straight up the island. When Dad returned to his home sweet home three days later on a clear, sunny day, he breathed a sigh of relief to find his house just as he’d left it. — Joyce Hager •

soar into summer May 19 & 20

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Lifestyle

W

Friendly Service

ow, what a day! The clouds appear as ocean foam, scooting across a cerulean sky. Traffic on Central Avenue, a wide, safe street for pedestrians and bikes in Surf City, is sparse this morning. Sun, a soft breeze of clean air ... hmmm, that smell. Yum, frying bacon. No need to imbibe any fat, I’ll just get my fix inhaling the aroma as I pass by this cottage.

Adjusting my head set and the volume on my portable CD player, the mystery I started yesterday is at a crucial turning point. Zowey! A fizzing sound and the repeating words, “knife, knife ... ” Drat! A scratched disc. Now I’m fuming, angry with the klutz who damaged it through careless handling, not caring about the next person borrowing the audio book from our local library.

Why can’t people place value on and care for the possessions of others? Our libraries provide, not only books, but movies, music, and all kinds of programs for all ages. But we have to help and do our part. Remember what was taught in kindergarten? If you make a mess, clean it up. What you get out, put away. What isn’t yours, don’t touch. If you have permission, play gently. Treat the property of others, as you would have them treat yours.

So, here I am, frustrated by another’s carelessness, waiting to hear “who done it.” As I stop off at the library in Surf City, Linda Feaster, the head librarian, is just arriving. We tackle my problem right away, wiping the disc with a static control cloth.

Teen volunteers take on this job in the summer, as extra help is definitely needed. It’s a busy place, especially in the summer, circulating nearly 20,000 items in July, alone, compared to 7,000 for the entire winter.

Carol Freas art Here on LBI, a branch of the Ocean County Library was first established in 1956. The original location was a 20’x20’ room in the Long Beach Township Municipal Building.

Then, in 1959, a group of dedicated volunteers formed the Friends of the Island Library. They reached their goal of opening a permanent library location on 16th street in Ship Bottom on January 16, 1960. Many supplies and work services were donated. Even the lifeguards raised funds via outdoor summer block dances. The $10,000 mortgage was paid off in only three years.

But progress moved rapidly on and around the Island in those days. Its population began to grow quickly during the 1960s, and the newly constructed Garden State Parkway and LBI causeway bridge (which replaced the flat, rickety, wooden one) opened up the Island to the world, like never before. Consequently, by the mid 1980s, realizing that a bigger library facility Page 52 • Echoes of LBI

would be needed on LBI, all the Island towns (except for Beach Haven, which maintains its own library) came together to organize the building of a new library, with costs being shared with Ocean County. The result of this effort is our present building, located at 3rd Street and Central Avenue in Surf City, which was dedicated on May 7, 1989. It is a great library facility, and you should do yourself the favor of paying it a visit during your stay on our lovely Island. Indeed, in 2010, the Ocean County Library System was designated a “Star Library” by Library Journal.

This national award for outstanding service is quite an honor for

a once sleepy little part of South Jersey.

The evolution of our library services here on the Island is a success story with which I can really identify. Back in the ‘40s, I awaited the weekly arrival of the County book mobile (not pictured here) on 11th Street in Surf City. Now, lucky me and you, a well-stocked library and wonderful library services are available here on LBI all year long, just by walking into the Surf City branch. My disc is now cleaned, and I continue my walk to discover who is holding that knife! I sure am grateful to those Friends of the Island Library who helped retire that old book mobile and who continue to support this great library with special funds and programs for the community. (By the way, they are always looking for new members. ...)

— Carol Freas •

• The Guest Room •

E

n t e r i n g t h e g u e s t r o o m i n m y f a t h e r ’s h o u s e i s l i k e t a k i n g a sedative. It instantly calms me, particularly after the six-hour drive from my home in Massachusetts.

When my parents bought their house in Ship Bottom fifteen years ago, after selling both our family home in suburban Philadelphia and their vacation home in Holgate, my sisters and I questioned their retirement arrangements on the Island. But we soon recogn i z e d m y m o t h e r ’s v i s i o n w a s c l e a r a n d w i s e . S h e a n d D a d n e s t e d h e r e c o m f o r t a b l y. S o d o I w h e n e v e r v i s i t i n g , w h i c h i s n o t a s o f t e n as I’d like.

After the reunion hugs and kisses, I carry my bags into the twelve-by-twelve guest room and set my weekender onto the wooden luggage rack at the foot of the double bed. I remember thinking w h e n M o m b o u g h t t h e r a c k y e a r s a g o : W h o ’s g o i n g t o u s e t h i s ? I t o s s m y j a c k e t o n t h e b e d w h e r e t w o h a n d - m a d e p i l l o w s l a y. O n e i s a country craft doll that I stitched for Mom during one of the weekends in my twenties when I sat home without a date. Next to it is a pillow cross-stitched with the ABCs by Mom when she sat home as a n e m p t y n e s t e r.

As I unpack, I scan the room to make sure nothing has changed.

I l a y m y m a k e - u p c a s e , j e w e l r y, a n d h a i r b r u s h o n t h e m a p l e d r e s s e r opposite the bed. Mom used to thoughtfully place a tray there for m y p e r s o n a l i t e m s . I m i s s t h a t g e n t l e a c t o f h o s p i t a l i t y f r o m h e r. I k i c k o ff m y s h o e s a n d p u s h t h e m u n d e r t h e s i d e c h a i r i n t h e c o r n e r.

T h e g u e s t r o o m h a s o ff e r e d m e d i ff e r e n t r e f u g e o v e r t h e y e a r s . I first stayed here with my husband when we visited my parents with our young daughters, who would sleep upstairs. Then, I occupied the room alone when I helped Dad after his heart bypass operation a n d , a g a i n , a f t e r M o m ’s s t r o k e . I e n j o y e d r e c i p r o c a t i n g a s c a r e g i v e r, c h e f , a n d h o u s e k e e p e r. A f t e r t h o s e b u s y d a y s , I f o u n d s u p r e m e comfort in the guest bed, collapsing from fatigue with an “ahhh.”

It wasn’t how I imagined finally getting my own room in Mom and D a d ’s h o u s e , b u t I a p p r e c i a t e d i t a l l t h e s a m e .

My father still surprises me in the evening when I enter the temporary sanctuary after of an Island-filled day of walking, shopping, and gardening to discover that he turned down the bed for me. His tender act of love moves me. My chest softens. When I lay in bed e n v e l o p e d i n a w a r m b l a n k e t , I t a k e n o t e o f M o m ’s t o u c h e s : t h e floral valances, an antique mahogany shelf with little glass vases that she scored from yard sales, and a framed poem titled Sleeping on an Island that she spotted in a Beach Haven shop.

I sleep soundly in this guest room. Sometimes the wind howls and sometimes the rain pings the rooftop. Once in a while, I hear the awning or our American flag flapping against the wind and, o t h e r t i m e s , I h e a r t h e f a i n t d r u m o f t r a ff i c h e a d i n g f o r t h e b r i d g e a f e w b l o c k s a w a y. A l l t h e s e r h y t h m i c s o u n d s o f t h e I s l a n d l u l l m e i n t o a p e a c e f u l s l u m b e r.

O c c a s i o n a l l y, w h e n I h e a r t h e d e e p m u ff l e o f D a d ’s f o o t s t e p s f r o m a b o v e , i t g i v e s m e t h e s e n s e t h a t F a t h e r P r o t e c t o r s h i e l d s m e . Ye t , somehow I never hear him tiptoe down the stairs and open the front door to claim his newspaper before sunrise, as he takes care not to wake me. When I do awake, my body is fully rested with nary an ache and my skin glows a pinkish hue.

On a recent drive back home, I decided to refurnish my own guest room. Enough with the flowers and ribbons reflecting my daughters’ youth — they’ve grown up. Inspired by LBI, I styled the room with new curtains and a coverlet in the blue, green, and sand colors of the Island. I displayed my purchases from B&B: a striped chair lamp, a candle, and a tiled beach scene. I placed starfish from T h i n g s A D r i f t a g a i n s t t h e p a n e s o f t h e t r i p l e w i n d o w, f a c i n g t h e front of the house. The old vanity that Mom bargained for me at a LBI Museum yard sale back in the 1980s has a new coat of paint a n d i s u s e d d a i l y b y m y d a u g h t e r s a n d m e t o d r y a n d s t y l e o u r h a i r.

Atop is a small bowl of golden beige stones I collected from the bay b e a c h i n S u r f C i t y.

Since Mom passed a w a y a n d D a d n o l o n g e r t r a v e l s f a r, t h i s c o z y nook in my home remin d s m e o f m y h o m e a w a y f r o m h o m e . I l e a n i n the doo rway of my gue s t r o o m e v e r y m o r n i n g , g a z e o u t t h e w i n d o w, and rec all the sense o f c o m f o r t o f t h e I s l a n d . — J o y c e H a g e r •

Lifestyle

Heart & Soul

A Life Filled with Music Brings Rewards Beyond Measure

Page 58 • Echoes of LBI Page 54 • Echoes of LBI

John Schwaller photo

S

peaking as someone who never was blessed with the gift of music, I admire the passion musicians have for playing and the instant bond that forms between them. I have witnessed this through the years with my younger sister Kimberly, who is currently a sophomore at Barnegat High School. She has studied piano since third grade and has been a student of local musician Joe Valmonte since sixth grade. Kimberly cannot pass a piano without surrendering to the temptation to play. She is drawn to the instrument as if it were calling to her. In addition to practicing at school, with friends, and with her teacher, Kimberly uses her piano playing as a form of improvisational community service, volunteering to play at non-profit events, such as the Tuckerton Seaport’s Poetry Festival and Chriskindlmarket and the cocktail hour for the Taste of Southern Ocean Hunger Relief Dinner. Music is, quite clearly, in her heart and soul.

At a concert or recital, you can always tell the musicians in the crowd because they are watching the technique, as opposed to simply listening. The comments of fellow musicians are usually about song selection and transition. Older musicians usually tell Kimberly about how long they have been playing or how they still play, and younger ones typically talk about what they are working on. But all seem to look beyond the performance, focusing on the effort. It is that effort, as well as the desire to play, that bridges generations and creates a common ground amongst all musicians.

One of the veteran musicians Kimberly has learned from is Tony Curinga, the innkeeper at The Magnolia House bed and breakfast in Beach Haven. Tony was ten years old when his father encouraged him to learn to play the accordion and went on to become an accomplished pianist and keyboard player. Recently retired from his 45-year career as a dentist, Tony enjoys playing for his guests, but admits he would love to spend more time at the Clavinova that sits in the parlor of his inn. Tony played all through college and still performs jazz with a few of his friends, but his passion for music far exceeds the time his busy schedule allows for it. Nevertheless, the guests at The Magnolia House often get to enjoy his impromptu performances, while sampling some of Tony and his wife Cheryl’s gourmet specialties or just relaxing in the main floor parlor.

Predictably, it was Tony Curinga’s Clavinova that immediately drew Kimberly’s attention a while back when she was attending an event at The Magnolia House. She proudly mentioned that she was taking lessons and asked if she could play. Tony, who believes in encouraging younger generations to play, just as his father did, answered with an enthusiastic “Yes!” Now, after many subsequent visits, Kimberly stops in regularly at The Magnolia House with her sheet music, showing off her latest pieces. She finds it challenging, but fun, when Tony jumps in and shows her how to improve or how to change it up with different chords and octaves. When asked what he thinks of younger musicians who want to take a turn on his Clavinova, Tony responded, “It’s great, I invite them to play.” As I mentioned earlier, there is a spirit of connectedness that unites all musicians, and Tony is simply passing this sentiment along.

Music is made in many different ways: by learning, by encouraging, and, most of all, by passion. It is passion that provides the driving force behind all musicians, both professional and amateur. The ability to make music is truly a gift that some of us are lucky enough to count among our blessings. Others are not as fortunate and have to enjoy music only from the perspective of one who appreciates it. My failed attempt at learning to play the flute in elementary school pretty much proved to me that it is not enough to be taught the technique of music. Rather, it is the desire to create and share music that provides the entrance key to the musical fraternity. It is the willingness to give oneself over to the craft that separates the music makers from those of us who are music fans. As American composer and critic Virgil Thomson once said: “I’ve never known a musician who regretted being one. Whatever deceptions life may have in store for you, music itself is not going to let you down.” If you have the ability to play music, it can be the one thing that allows you to cross paths with different cultures and generations. To a musician, music is not a second language; it’s a native tongue. It allows expression without words and joy without bounds. It comes from the heart, and it is rooted in the soul. - Jessica Pepenella, Barnegat HS Senior Class 2012 •

Kimberly Pepenella and Tony Curinga, Marjorie Amon photos

Lifestyle

“Shore Cure” Local Kahuna

I

t never ceases to amaze me just how blessed we are to have such great locals here on LBI. That’s the feeling I got when I recently spent a morning with George Gahles, the owner of Surf Unlimited since 2007. His parents and grandparents have been coming to LBI since before World War II. As we strolled around his surf shop, George began to explain to me his plan for store tours, where local boards will be shaped here in the shop during this summer season.

The tours will be open to the public, children, as well as adults. People will be able to watch and learn how surfboards are built. This is sure to provide a fun and informative experience for the whole family.

The Surf Unlimited building is very much a part of local history. It was originally built by Margaret and Christopher Gurtcheff, after Christopher purchased the land from a developer in 1913. Christopher was a tailor and had his tailor shop located in the same room that will now be the area in which the surfboards will be built. In the 1970s, the Gurtcheff family sold the home to John Gross. Since Christopher had already passed on, however, the purchase agreement stipulated that Margaret would be entitled to rent an apartment above the shop and remain in the building for life.

This requirement grew into a bit of a “long” standing joke, though, as John Gross never thought that Margaret would live for so many years after the agreement was made. She lived well into her 90s.

Margaret and Christopher’s daughter, Bea Shanklin, was just two years old when her parents built their home, and I had the opportunity to chat with her recently about some of her fondest memories of her childhood home. Bea still lives in the house next to the Surf Unlimited building and remembers sitting in the tailor shop on a large wooden shelf built by her dad. She recalls there was a mini golf right next-door, owned by the Welch family. Bea also remembers that her Uncle George owned a bakery in Beach Haven and that he would bring the baked goods to her dad’s tailor shop and sell them there. George Gahles also recalls an interesting conversation he had with Bea a number of years Page 56 • Echoes of LBI

Surf Unlimited’s custom surfboard designer.

(Left) Bill Krezter’s custom designed surfboard logo.

ago about this historic Ship Bottom property. He asked her why her father built their house so close to the Boulevard, as opposed to the oceanfront. Bea was quick to answer. The land prices were higher the further away you bought from the ocean. No one built near the end of the street near the ocean. That would be crazy!

My, oh my, how times have changed!

As we climbed the stairs to the 2nd floor of Surf Unlimited, it is here where the surfboards are displayed. Many of the boards were built by a local named Bill Kretzer in the 1990s. His trademark was plain to see on the boards and is a derivative of a Celtic symbol. His boards have a stellar reputation and are still used by many reputable Hawaiian surfers on the infamous North Shore.

It was here where George informed me of a wonderful organization for children founded by a number of prominent members of the surfing community — the Mauli Ola Foundation. The name means “the breath of life” in Hawaiian, and it was created by a

group of surfers in Hawaii for contribution as a local kahuna’s children with cystic fibrosis. For “shore cure,” and it was my years, we have known that saline privilege to meet one of the men spray relieves the symptoms of who brought this wonderful idea this disease, but these surfers here to LBI. took things a step further when As we made our way to the they discovered that ocean spray apartment on the 3rd floor of produced the same effects. Their Surf Unlimited, it was here plan was to provide therapy to where George and I began to children by taking them into the discuss the recent investigation ocean to surf, enabling them into the paranormal activity that to breathe in the ocean spray. takes place in one of its rooms.

This form of therapy allows the (You can find a link to the children to breathe better and get investigation on Surf Unlimited’s some exercise, but more imporFacebook page.) There are footBea Shanklin checks out a copy of Echoes of LBI Magazine. tantly, to have some fun, as well. steps heard several times a week, George went on to inform me that in September 2011, a group and the ghost investigation has revealed a “fear box”— i.e., a lot of our local surfers and some well known Hawaiian and Califorof electrical currents and the occurrence of uneasy feelings — at nian surfers, including Kala Alexander, Shawn ”Barney” Barron, the entrance of the room. George feels the presence is a very and Kealii Mamala, got together and brought the Foundation’s friendly one, with no intentions of harming anyone. When Bea program to LBI. The event was originally going to take place in found out about all of this activity, she smiled and concluded that Atlantic City, until George stepped in and made it happen right it is her mom, as she knew her mom never ever wanted to leave here on LBI. Surf Unlimited provides the wet suits, boards, and this place. In fact, when Bea is in her kitchen that looks out at the companionship of other surfers to ensure these children are Surf Unlimited, she often waves and says, “Hi, Mom.” Knowing safe in the ocean. As a reminder, George has signed autographs all of the wonderful people I’ve met here on LBI, it doesn’t surfrom these civic-minded surfers, as well as those of other famous prise me in the least that Margaret isn’t going anywhere. These surfers, written on his walls!! This year, the Foundation’s LBI locals are here to stay ... if you get my drift!!!! To George and all event is scheduled for the end of August, and the Foundation of these fantastic people, I say thanks. It sure was “swell” to have plans to make this an annual event. I like to think of George’s met you!!!! — Diane Stulga •

Marine Science

I

Message in a (Ballast) Bottle

n the good old days of sailing, when the sails were pitched high and the waves broke on the bow, every seaman knew the most important thing was to stay afloat. As the ship rocked to and fro with each great peak and valley of a wave, the ballast on the ship would regulate the ship’s movement. Before computer technology, GPS, and mechanical compasses, a captain would have to struggle mightily to steer the ship through terrible weather and hope the weight of the ballast would keep the ship level with the wave. Cheaply manufactured tiles, like those found in the wreck of the Fortuna, the ship that sunk off the shore of Long Beach Island in 1911 and gave modern day Ship Bottom its name, were perhaps the most common form of ballast used in the golden age of sailing. Others ships used alternative forms of ballast, such as heavy stones. But one of the most intriguing forms of ballast many experts believe was used by ships was glass bottles with thick round bottoms.

Many people believe round-bottomed bottles or “torpedo bottles” (as they are more commonly known due to their conical shape) were used as ballast from the mid-19th century to the early 20th century. As the ship rolled with the waves, these “ballast bottles” rolled along the hull to keep it level. Typically, torpedo bottles were filled with mineral water or soda, most often ginger ale.

Originally, the not-so-functional looking design of the bottle was meant to ensure that it was left on its side, so that the wired-down cork would not dry out and shrink, allowing the contents to lose carbonation, evaporate, or simply spill out. They are thought to have been typically stored upside down when shipped. The base of a torpedo bottle is thicker than the walls, and many of these vessels were likely hand blown. In addition to water and soda, early medicines, such as sarsaparilla, were also shipped in these strange bottles. Many of the torpedo bottles recovered from this era were manufactured by Cochrane & Cantrell, an Irish firm that dominated the market in the late 1800s.

Summer of Fun! Barnegat Bay

2012

But torpedo bottles served important secondary purposes on the high seas, as well. The familiar concept, and often used literary devise, of the “message in a bottle” likely started with torpedo bottles. If a ship were on its last legs, a loose ballast bottle rolling around the deck would likely be the nearest and best place to deposit a final communication and so torpedo bottles were often used by members of the crew as the repository for their last will and testament. In fact, at one point, English law required anyone who found a torpedo bottle containing a message from a sunken ship to forward it to the proper authorities. Additionally, torpedo bottles were, for a time, also used as socalled fire grenades, an early form of fire extinguisher. Torpedo bottles containing powdered chemicals would be thrown onto a fire, causing the contents to be dispersed and thereby extinguishing the blaze. This practice is most likely the reason torpedo bottles were also referred to as “bombs.” Once it was determined that the flying glass created by fire grenades constituted a significant additional hazard, however, new inventions replaced the fire grenade concept.

The strange round bottom of these torpedo bottles make them a bit of an oddity, to say the

least. If anything, they look like a bad prank. But it seems likely that they may have served an important purpose for a time in maritime history. Though experts cannot conclusively confirm they were ever used for ballast, divers have found several of these bottles near old ports along the East coast of the United States, suggesting that they may have been dumped upon arrival in port after their purpose had been served. The issue is likely to continue as a source of debate among collectors and maritime historians. In any event, though, torpedo bottles have become a huge favorite of collectors, often fetching $200 or more at auction. To this day, beachcombers are still sometimes lucky enough to find torpedo bottles while walking the beaches, although this good fortune is rare. Your best bet for taking a look at these odd little artifacts may be a trip to the Long Beach Island Maritime Museum of Beach Haven, where several examples are on display. Nevertheless, while your chances of finding a torpedo bottle containing a message are small, indeed, it always pays to keep a close watch for these and other treasures that can be found on a peaceful walk in the sand. When you least expect it, you could be the one to stumble across a ballast bottle containing the hastily-scribbled last words of some doomed sailor who was about to take his place in Davy Jones’ Locker, along with a great ship and the rest of its crew. — Sara Caruso •

LBI locations For Sales, Repairs, Slip Rentals Surf City Marina • 325 S 1st St, Surf City • 609-494-2200

Surf City Marina Boat Sales • 337 W 8th St, Ship Bottom • 609-361-5200 Bombardier Dealer • Sea-Doo personal Watercraft • Showroom in Ship Bottom

Marine Science

s s Weav of Gla ed

T

he Earth has revealed a multitude of wonders in the vast array of plant and animal species it has spawned over the past 4.5 billion years. Millions of flora and fauna roam and grow on its surface, ever changing to suit their environment. Indeed, scientists estimate there are still over one million unknown species and maintain that some of these species, unfortunately, will become extinct before we even have the opportunity to discover them.

One of the ecosystems that provides us with so much of the Earth’s flora and fauna is our planet’s vast oceans. Ironically, though, the sea is less explored than our nearest neighbors in our solar system. But, fortunately, this situation is beginning to change, as many new species of animals have been found in the oceans recently, with many showing strange and magnificent adaptations to the most inhospitable conditions. One of the hardiest of these animals is the sponge, which lives its life attached to the sea floor or to rocks and corals, absorbing food particles as they float by. Of all the sponge species, perhaps the strangest is Venus’ Flower Basket (euplectella aspergillum). This species was discovered in 1841 by the great anatomist Richard Owen, the first Director of the British Museum of Natural History, and is named for Venus, the Roman goddess of love (aka Aphrodite, in Greek mythology). This fibrous, weaved sponge is a phenomenal form of Nature’s craft and looks more man-made than natural.

A close-up view of a Venus’ Flower Basket reveals a tight woven pattern of fiberglass-like strands which form a cylindrical structure that serves to hold up the sponge in harsh currents.

The weaves resemble a machine-made pattern one might see in a filter for a home heating system. Admired in the Victorian Era (1837-1901), they could fetch up to five guineas, the current equivalent to $800. They are rarely seen because they often live in depths of 1,500 to 3,000 feet in the waters of the Western Pacific near Japan. The fibers that make up these animals are 50 Page 60 • Echoes of LBI

to 175 millimeters (2 to 7 inches) long and about the thickness of a human hair. The sponge extracts silicic acid from seawater, converts it into silica (found in sand), and then forms it into an elaborate skeleton of glass fibers. Other related species of sponges, such as the orange puffball sponge, can also produce glass biologically. The animal’s production of fibers has captured the interest of fiber optic technology researchers, since the current manufacturing process for optical fibers requires high temperatures and produces a brittle fiber. Moreover, since the deep sea environment where the Venus’ Flower Basket thrives is very cold, scientists believe the low-temperature process it uses for creating and arranging such fibers may also offer significant advances in the creation of environmentally friendly forms of energy, such as more efficient, low cost solar cells.

Technology aside, however, there is a more romantic side to this wonder of Nature. In ancient Asian tradition, a Venus’ Flower Basket was given as a good luck gift to newlyweds because within the sponge’s cage-like structure typically live two tiny shrimp, a male and female, which represent the bride and groom. The shrimp live there in the sponge all their lives, unable to escape, but protected from predators. In return for offering them shelter, the deep-sea couple clean the excess food particles that gather on the sponge. This interaction between two unrelated species working together is called symbiosis and, in this case, allows both animals to survive in otherwise harsh conditions. When the shrimp have offspring, the tiny babies slip through the small holes in the sponge walls and head off to find a sponge of their own in order to continue the cycle. When the shrimp die, their bodies remain in the sponge and new shrimp will move in and grow old together in their oceanic home. So, in this way, it is easy to see why the Venus’ Flower Basket came to embody the idea of a beautiful love story, with two lovers entwined forever through life and death, playing their part in the great cycle of life. — Sara Caruso •

Page 62 • Echoes of LBI

50 & Counting

If its walls could talk, what tales the Beach Haven School could tell ...

Beach Haven School Turns 100

T

he building, which will celebrate its 100th anniversary this year, is a critical part of Beach Haven and LBI history. Age, however, has not dimmed its purpose nor changed its course, and it remains very much an important component of Beach Haven’s present. Within its walls, the children of Beach Haven are still learning the importance of reading, writing, and ‘rithmatic. While instructional methods and technologies may have changed — computers, cell phones and iPads, to name just a few — the school’s goal remains the same: to deliver a quality education in all aspects of learning to the 63 students currently enrolled ...

(Left) Beach Haven School Photo, 1914, with the train in the background, courtsey Watson Pharo.

(Below) Phyllis Gee at home before graduation.

50 & Counting

Beach Haven has a proud history. There is a rich spirit of community that has served this town well, from its very beginnings to the hustle and bustle of today, and the Beach Haven School has been a major contributor. In the 100 years since its birth, the Beach Haven School’s red brick walls have witnessed countless friendships, marriages, storms, events, and more. Although its walls do not have an audible voice, tales of the past can be heard through the memories of those who experienced them at this historic institution. Recently, over 50 people who attended the Beach Haven School gathered together at the Maritime Museum in Beach Haven for a chance to share their childhood experiences.

The alumni ranged in ages from 40 to 80 plus. Over the course of several hours, they gave a voice to the school, filled with warmth and appreciation. Teachers were remembered fondly. Names like Sue Salmons, Mary Stratton, Jesse Conklin, Mrs. Voltier, Nurse Robinson, Mabel Priestly, Ms. Savage, Miss Delahante, Lena Elwell, Elizabeth Speck, Edna Mathis, Miss Schultz, Miss Bryce, and Ethel Easter came up over and over again, each time bringing a smile to everyone’s face. The collective opinion was that they were fortunate to have been educated by caring teachers and administrators, to have enjoyed a community experience that is hard to imagine today, and to have spent time in a small school that prepared them well for their futures.

In 1880, the small beach community of Beach Haven schooled only four students in Alvaratte Sprague Stratton’s house on Second Street. Subsequently, Lily Bates, whose father ran the Beach Haven House, used the parlor of the hotel as a school. Lily was the first paid teacher in Beach Haven. The arrival of train travel soon brought more people to LBI, however, and so, in 1884, the town fathers of Beach Haven gathered up enough money to start a school district. Ocean County granted the town permission to proceed and, by 1886, a house on Third Street was designated to serve as the first official school. That building, however, soon proved to be too small and was sold to Harry Colmer, who turned the building into a movie theatre. (The building was eventually sold to the Baptist Church and is still in use today.) To replace the house on Third Street, a lot between Seventh and Eighth Streets was chosen as the new location for a school that would better accommodate the growing town, and, in 1912, the red brick building on Eighth Street was built. But progress was a fact of life in early 20th century Beach Haven. So, in 1926, as it became clear more space was needed, Floyd Cranmer was awarded a contract to build a two-story brick addition to the existing structure. Clearly, the evolution of a small beach town school, which now stands in the form of the Beach Haven School, closely mirrored the development of Beach Haven, itself.

From its early days, the school has used a bus to transport students who lived in Island towns other than Beach Haven. Those who lived close by, though, either walked or rode a bike to school.

Of course, in those days, bike riding was so much more a part of life than it is today. Indeed, back in the schools early days, with so much of the Island still undeveloped, bikes were a major factor in the lives of most kids on the Island and bike riding was considered a major social event. One of the key activities the school regularly Page 64 • Echoes of LBI

(Left to right back row) Isaac Johnson, Carl Johnson, Wilkes Conrad.

(Front row) Ellen Frankfort, Joan Cramer (Kapler), Eleaner Cranmer (Olliver).

conducted was a program where a state trooper would visit the school and give a talk on bicycle safety. The trooper would show the students how to keep their bikes in good condition and demonstrate simple repairs. From bay to ocean, in all seasons, kids rode their bikes from dawn to dusk. They even rode behind the mosquito trucks, laughing in the fog, as they chased the chemical spray. By all accounts, it never hurt their learning ability and, perhaps, all that bike riding is why so many of our seniors are so active and involved in life on LBI, even today.

The curriculum at the school was well rounded. Poetry, sewing, classical music, and dance, as well as the basics, were taught.

Respect and obedience were expected, and Graduation Class of 1949 behavior was closely watched. But since kids will be kids (and that will never change), there were times when mischief was afoot. Indeed, during the recent reunion, the group often joined in laughter as they told the stories of how discipline was handed out in the days of old. It seems that gum was a huge no-no and to be caught chewing would bring on certain punishment, guaranteed to leave the offender red faced. Those caught would have the piece of gum stuck to their nose for the rest of the day. An alert teacher often stopped running in the halls with a grab to the ear. Sometimes, punishment meant sitting under the teacher’s desk for the remainder of the class. One offender made the most of this, though, when he found the teacher’s lunch was under the desk with him and proceeded to eat it. Another story told how the spirit of the American Revolution was alive and well in Beach Haven. A student noticed broken glass on a framed reproduction of the Declaration of Independence that was hanging on a wall in the hallway. In a moment of Graduation class 1940. inspiration, he removed the copy and, along with eight friends, signed the document, adding their names along side our Founding Fathers. This rewriting of history did not go un-noticed for long, though. With such a small student population, there was little anyone could get a way with, especially when they had identified themselves in writing!

Back in the day, things ran a little differently from our modern times. The local grocery store, owned by Charlie Cramer, allowed students their own charge accounts. They would buy penny candy and take it to school, where it would promptly be taken away. If a student were at home sick and his/her parents were at work, the school nurse would visit the house to check on them. The Wonder Bread man would make

Photo courtesy Jeannette Collins

50 & Counting

his deliveries and throw little loaves of bread over the fence into the schoolyard. Delighted students would scramble to catch one of the tiny treasures. Another story tells of the bus ride to school from Ship Bottom in a snowstorm. The bus was old and, suddenly, the windshield wipers decided not to work. The bus driver had one of the boys sit on the fender and wipe the snow off the windshield so they could make it to school. We can only hope he got extra credit for that task!

Through the years, students sold saving bond stamps, participated in air raid drills, and engaged in a host of other activities that today seem like relics of a bygone era. But some things never change — like the way students used to slyly ask Ms. Conklin to tell them about her trip to Pike’s Peak. That request would start a long, rambling dissertation, thereby effectively stopping schoolwork while she told her story. It was a trick they used many times to get a brief break in their schoolwork, just like students today do with their teachers.

The school has always been an important part of the Beach Page 66 • Echoes of LBI

Haven community. This was never more apparent than during the infamous 1944 storm. Hard as it is to imagine, when the storm began to hit the Island, school was let out early and many of the kids just walked home. As it intensified, neighbor helped neighbor when the torrential rains and rising water levels overtook Beach Haven. One story told how a mother arrived at the school to pick up her children and ran into another car, locking bumpers. The cars were stuck, the water was rising, and panic was approaching. Miss Schultz, a kindergarten teacher, came over, put her foot down on one of the bumpers, picked up the other car, unlocked them, and sent them on their way! No Superman cape, just a teacher stepping in when needed. The 1944 storm stories are legendary, but it is the names and faces of those who lived through it that reveal the true heroics of the community.

Everyone at the reunion agreed that the Beach Haven School taught them well and provided a well-balanced education.

Moreover, they all appreciate the wonderful job their school has

done in educating the elementary-aged students of the Island (up to Harvey Cedars) since 1912, as well as the important role it has played in the development of our Island community. They are proud of the little school that started with 26 students a century ago, and they are keenly aware that, from that core group, several LBI families have counted multiple generations of students who attended this institution, from its beginning to the present day.

Indeed, one family has had members of five generations graduate from Beach Haven School, and several families have members from four generations who can claim the same. Stories like that of Ellie Cramner Olliver, who attended the school as a student and later taught there, after her mother had attended the earlier version of the school on Third Street, indicate how a sense of shared history and continuity within the LBI community has always been a part of the story of the Beach Haven School. But perhaps more importantly, the friendships and bonds that this school has helped forge over the years are truly the most heart-warming stories of all. The morning of the reunion, in a group of a little over 50 people, 14 said they met their current best friend while attending Beach Haven School.

And even more incredible, two married couples trace their origins back to the school. Indeed, one of those couples, Marie and Gil Anderson, met at the school in kindergarten, started going out in 7th

50 & Counting grade, and married a few years later. They have been together for 63 years and are living happily ever after.

What the future holds for this little school, only time will tell.

Let’s hope the current students will one day add their stories to the rich history that has been witnessed by its red brick walls, as it continues to serve our community. Happy 100th Birthday, Beach Haven School!

The Beach Haven School invites everyone to join them in celebrating this milestone on Sunday, May 20, 2012.

— Maggie O’Neill • (P.S. - I want to thank each member of the Beach Haven School who shared their remarkable stories. I would also like to thank Jeanette Lloyd for organizing the meeting and providing Echoes of LBI the opportunity to listen in on this bit of history. Also, thanks to Deb Whitcraft for hosting the event and to Sue Miarmi for transcribing meeting notes.

P.P.S. - Thank you for the photos: Jeanette Collins, Watson Pharo, Ellie Olliver, Phyllis Parker (Gee).

Joan Richmond Tooker and Phyllis Parker Gee.

Jessie Conkline on class trip to Valley Forge 1945.

Photo courtesy Jeanette Collins

Page 68 • Echoes of LBI

Former Beach Haven School students who recently met at the Maritime Museum in Beach Haven in preparation for the schoolâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s 100 year celebration. Sara Caruso photo

Gill and Marie Anderson, who met in grade school and married after high school. Sara Caruso photo

Current Beach Haven Elementary class, 2012. Marjorie Amon photo

50 & Counting

T

u m b l e S A “Jump” Back To The Past!

Page 70 • Echoes of LBI

ome vacationers waited up to two hours for their turn to jump on one of its fifteen trampolines. From the mid 1970s to the late 1980s, Tumble Town was the place to go on LBI for children of all ages and young adults, too. The trampoline park was located at Third Street and Long Beach Boulevard in Ship Bottom and served as unique

T entertainment amid all the miniature golf courses, bicycle paths, and ice cream stands on the Island. It provided the source for a multitude of fun memories for a generation of kids who are now in their late 20s, 30s, or 40s.

o w n

Joseph (affectionately known as Rocky) Cancellieri and his wife Arline co-owned and managed Tumble Town with their friends Angelo and Joan Coppola. The Cancellieri couple raised their four children in Burlington County and began sum-

50 & Counting mering on the Island in 1971, when they bought their house in Surf City. During the school year, Rocky was a physical education teacher and the football coach at Riverside High School.

He later served as Riverside’s Superintendent of Schools for sixteen years before retiring in 1991. Arline was a school nurse and health educator in a number of elementary schools.

Rocky and Angelo, who was also a teacher, bought Tumble Town from two other teachers who were enthusiastic supporters of high school sports. The two friends made a great team, with Angelo running the back office and Rocky supervising the “ups and downs” of the kids in the park, always with an emphasis on safety. The business came naturally to Rocky, having spent his entire career surrounded by children and promoting good health and exercise. Prior to purchasing Tumble Town, Rocky managed Olympia Lakes, a swim and recreational club in Willingboro, New Jersey.

Tumble Town was open from Memorial Day to Labor Day, 10 a.m. to 10 p.m., seven days a week. Rocky and Angelo both had two sons who worked at the park with them, usually in the daytime hours.

Business at Tumble Town peaked in the evening hours. Cloudy and rainy days were popular times, too. When the park first opened, kids could jump for ten minutes for $1.50. Rates were kept low and only rose to $2.50 after ten years or so. The Cancellieri couple loved their business, as did many other parents. Parents loved Tumble Town mainly because, once the kids jumped and jumped and jumped, the little angels went home and fell fast asleep!

One of Arline’s fondest memories of Tumble Town involved a grandfather who brought his pre-school grandson, Louie, to the park. The grandfather noticed that Louie kept jumping at the sides of the trampoline, near the heavier, padded springs. When the grandfather finally asked Louie why he wasn’t jumping in the center, Louie explained that there was a cross in the middle of the trampoline. “That’s God, and I don’t want to jump on God,” said Louie, with an air of genuine reverence.

Another special memory Arline likes to share involves former Philadelphia Flyer captain and NHL legend Bobby Clarke.

Page 72 • Echoes of LBI

Once, on a summer visit to LBI, Bobby took his family to Tumble Town. Years later, Arline bumped into Clarke at an airport, and he instantly recognized her and remembered her connection to Tumble Town. Arline and Bobby reminisced about the fun times he and his family had enjoyed at the trampoline park for several minutes — an experience any hockey fan would envy!

Arline also remembers that, occasionally, the older kids would try to get a little more than their money’s worth out of Tumble Town. Once in a while, teenagers would jump the fence

in the middle of the night and Rocky would get a call from the police to come down to the park to help deal with the late night perpetrators. It was usually just a little mischief, though, with no real harm done. As I said, Tumble Town was popular with kids of all ages. I guess some just couldn’t wait all night for it to open up again at 10 a.m.!

During their more than 12 years of ownership of the trampoline park, Arline remembers only two injuries requiring immediate medical attention — one child hurt his chin and another child lost some teeth. This, of course, serves as a testament to the pride the owners of Tumble Town put into their commitment to running a safe park for the thousands of kids who they hosted over the years. By the late 1980s, however, insurance rates rose (along with the tide of litigation in our society) to a point where it was no longer economically feasible to keep Tumble Town

Lighten Up!

Dylan Rooney test rides a trampoline.

open. Alas, Rocky and Angelo sold the property to Richard Aitken, who now owns and manages a thriving custom homebuilding business on the site.

Rocky retired from teaching in 1991. Later, in recognition of his many years of dedication and commitment, Riverside High School named its football field after him. Rocky passed away in 2003, but Arline still vacations on the Island with her children and nine grandchildren. True to the Cancellieri legacy, several of these family members are teachers. Although Tumble Town is long gone, this children’s mecca from a bygone era will forever live in the minds of the throngs of kids who waited in line to jump to their hearts’ content. It is for this reason that Arline keeps such fond memories of the joy she and Rocky brought to so many families during their summer vacations on the Island at Tumble Town.

— Joyce Hager • A. Richard Aitken Jr., builder, currently occupies old Tumble Town lot.

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Looking Back

Dr. Boris Blai: Inspiration, Mentor, and Friend

M

y relationship with Dr. Boris Blai, the founder of the Long Beach Island Foundation of the Arts and Sciences (the “LBI Foundation”) in Loveladies, started some seventy years ago. It is a relationship that literally changed my life and set me on the course I believe I was truly destined to follow. Just as the residents of LBI should be forever grateful for the gift Dr. Blai bequeathed them in the form of the LBI Foundation, I will be forever grateful for the opportunity he gave me to realize my dreams.

I grew up in a blue-collar neighborhood called Logan in Philadelphia. It was a neighborhood of row houses, and everybody knew each other.

After school, we played in the street until dinnertime, then did our homework on the kitchen table. Traditional academics, however, were not my focus. I would rush through my assignments so I could go to my cellar workshop. I was a fortunate person with an extraordinary gift. I could duplicate anything I saw. Boat and air“Homage to the Master: the student (Marvin Levitt) sculpts his mentor (Boris Blai).” plane models were first, then drawing, painting, and finely carving Ivory soap bars into animals followed. Art was my emphasis, and all other pursuits usually were pushed into the background. and demonstration school for teacher education. Most imporMy mother understood and appreciated my gift and empatantly, however, the head of the school’s art department was Dr. thized with my single-minded focus on artistic learning, but my Boris Blai. teachers at the Birney Elementary School disagreed with this We decided to apply for admission to Oak Lane Day School pedagogical approach. I recall, for instance, when a teacher deand, to my good fortune, an interview was scheduled with Dr. manded my mother come to school to discuss my disinterested Blai. So, one day, I gathered up my drawings and girded myself attitude. She claimed I seldom participated — I was distracted for this new and anxiety-producing experience. The room was and always had my nose in my notebook. She brought up the small and crowded, and I felt as if I were a defendant being example of our study of the story of Washington crossing the led to trial. But my fears were soon allayed. Once Dr. Blai Delaware and expressed great concern for how I seemed incurishowed his brilliant, welcoming smile and his friendly, casual ous and did not participate in the class discussion. She also way, all was well, and our interview turned into the first of so mentioned that my behavior had been noticed by my classmates many wonderful conversations I would have with him through and that I had been chastised and called a “dummy.” My mother the years. We spoke of art and, in particular, of my experience tried to offer up her best defense of me, explaining to the teacher in art. Did I take lessons? How did I learn to draw? He even that children have many ways of learning and that their talents asked me to draw a profile of him right then and there. I felt as and interests do not always conform to a traditional curricular if I had been delivered over to my very own Promised Land. approach. Then, my mother opened my notebook ... and there it Dr. Blai was a short, powerfully built man, with a heavy Ruswas! Across two pages was my rendition of the famous painting sian accent, and he used his hands to help express his meaning. of Washington crossing the Delaware. Washington was standAfter looking at my work, Boris, who at the time was still Dr. Blai ing, the Revolutionary Flag (with the correct number of stars) to me, offered me a limited time enrollment at the school. I loved was flying, the soldiers were pushing on through the ice, etc. It the school! I could go to art class every day. The art room was a was all there. Once, again, my mother had seen what others had large studio at the end of the building. There was a wood shop, a failed to see. printing and painting area, and a vast open area in which to underMy mother’s quest to find the proper educational setting for take large projects. For a budding artist like me, it was like giving me was now fully underway, and, ultimately, the quest led us a kid the run of a candy store. I was now in my element. to Oak Lane Country Day School, a school rooted in progressive At the end of the trial period at Oak Lane, the school offered education and in search of gifted students. The school was me a half scholarship. During the depression of the 1930s, howconnected to Temple University and was used as a academic lab ever, there was not a lot of extra money for this kind of luxury, Page 76 • Echoes of LBI

and we had to pass on this wonderful opportunity. Before I left, though, Dr. Blai said to my mother, “He is an artist, don’t make him a carpenter!” He then shook my hand and said in his heavily accented English, “Do you know vat you didt?” He was serious. “Dis handt touched the handt of Rodin! Remember, through me, you are like a grandson of the great sculptor.” Boris Blai had served as apprentice to Auguste Rodin.

In lieu of furthering my studies at Oak Lane, I went on to attend Jay Cook Junior High School and Simon Gratz High School, where I excelled in art under the tutelage of Robert Goldman. At graduation, the Art Scholarship at Temple University’s Tyler School of Fine Arts was awarded to me. On my first day at Tyler, I had an orientation and a meeting with a number of its professors: Dr. Herman Gundershimer, an art historian, Dr. Alex Ables, a painter, Raphael Sabatini, a sculptor, Rudy Staffel, a ceramisist, and last, but not least, the newlyappointed Dean of the Tyler School, Dr. Boris Blai. When I walked into the room, Dean Blai jumped off his chair, exclaiming “De buoy, de buoy!” (i.e., “The boy, the boy!”) He proceeded to tell the others of our former relationship at Oak Lane and then assured all who were gathered there that he had known with certainty that one day he would be seeing me at his new school, Tyler.

Under Boris’ guidance, I received a wonderful art education during my tenure as a student at the Tyler School of Fine Arts, and I will always remember this time as perhaps the most formative time in my life, artistic or otherwise.

My first experience with Dr. Blai’s artistic and cultural gem, the LBI Foundation, began with a full time summer job there in 1957. I suppose that this was a relationship that was meant to be, as I taught sculpture there for well over 50 years. In fact, I retired from the LBI Foundation just last year, 2011. As always, much of the energy and understanding that I drew upon in my teaching at the LBI Foundation came from my wonderful relationship with its founder, and my mentor, Dr. Blai. In the course of my career, I also taught at two of my alma maters, the Oak Lane Country Day School and the Tyler School of Fine Arts. Again, in each of these endeavors, Boris Blai was my mentor and inspiration.

Dr. Boris Blai was truly a visionary. He had passion and a desire to bring art into everyone’s life and worked tirelessly to realize these goals. His efforts on behalf of bringing the experience of art to the world seemed to never cease. Best of all, he was an

innovator in art education. After WWII, for example, he went to Fort Dix in New Jersey and established a program that worked with disabled veterans through art therapy. He founded the Tyler School of Fine Arts at Temple University. Next, he founded the LBI Foundation and served for many years as its Creative Director. Additionally, he established art classes and programs at a number of colleges in Florida. He was an artistic force of nature. Boris Blai was my inspiration, mentor, and friend. I am truly blessed to have been touched by his magic and, of all his exceptional gifts, I will always remember his ability to reach out and enlighten everyone he met. — Marvin Levitt •

Looking Back

Arlene “Haas” a Bright Future

S

ometimes, when sharing memories with someone about their past, you are reminded of how unique and heart wrenching some life stories really are. This was my experience when I was lucky enough to share a quiet Saturday afternoon speaking with Arlene Bright (née Haas). Although the beginning of her life story is anything but bright, Arlene’s life is now shining like a lighthouse beacon — giving guidance and inspiration to others in a world that started out, for her, with little hope or light, as she made her way through the first few arduous steps on the journey called life.

Three years ago, on an August afternoon, Arlene stopped in at Cheryl Kirby’s shell shop in Ship Bottom, Things A Drift. In everyday fashion, Arlene and Cheryl, who had never met before, exchanged pleasantries and chatted about the Island. Then, Arlene mentioned she was born “here.”

“Where, New Jersey?” Cheryl asked.

“No, here.”

“The local hospital?” Cheryl, again, asked, with increasing interest.

“No, Here!”

“On LBI?” Now, even more interested.

“NO, HERE!” exclaimed Arlene, pointing to the back room of the store. “Right here.”

Arlene Haas was born October 14, 1945, along with her twin sister, Eileen, here on LBI, in the building that now houses Things A Drift. They were delivered by Dr. William Dodd of Beach Haven, with the help of county nurse, Meriba Walker. It was one of countless deliveries performed on the Island by Dr. Dodd in his thirty-three years of practicing medicine. (Look for more about Dr. Dodd in an up-coming issue of Echoes of LBI ).

Before the twins’ birth, the house belonged to Arlene’s grandparents. When they heard there was another baby on the way (no one expected twins), however, they gave it to Arlene’s parents. It was a growing family, and Arlene and Eileen would bring the number of children to seven.

Sadly, the twins were barely three years old when the family left their Shore home for Philadelphia. Then, before Arlene and her sister turned six, a terrible misfortune broke their family completely apart. As a result, the four youngest children were sent to an orphanage called Rivercrest.

Arlene lived in the orphanage until she was ten years old.

She was put up for adoption twice. She was also fostered out for a year, then fostered out, again, for a time. Childhood was anything but carefree and secure for Arlene. Her formative years were filled with anger, resentment, and fear. Only vague, happy memories from LBI and the nurturing support of her older sister, Peggy, anchored Arlene through these rough times.

At seventeen, Arlene graduated high school and met her future husband, Bill Bright. This is when things truly began to turn around for Arlene. She had found someone to give her courage and love, a “bright light” at the end of a tunnel of hardship.

After dating for a year, Arlene and Bill married and, this year, will celebrate their 48th anniversary together. They have four sons and twenty grandchildren. Arlene has also become a devoted Christian, and, for the last four years, she and Page 78 • Echoes of LBI

Bill have taught conversational English in China.

Arlene visits LBI as often as time allows and describes the day she met Cheryl as “one of the most wonderful days of my life.” The orphanage where she spent so many years has been razed, and a golfing community now occupies the site. When thinking back to her childhood, Arlene remembers the good times she had as a toddler and now considers LBI her home!

Recently, Arlene met a local resident who knew her family when they lived in Ship Bottom, and he was able to fill in some of the blanks from her early years at the Shore. He told her how her mother would take all of the children to the beach where they would share so many hours together. He also remembered how Arlene’s dad once built a Ferris wheel on a portion of the property where Things A Drift is today.

Some things you just never forget, and those are the memories you use to navigate through life. They tell you where you’ve been and guide you to where you belong. Fortunately, Arlene’s re-connection to the place of her birth has given her a better understanding of the early road she traveled and, hopefully, this knowledge will help to illuminate her path in a meaningful way as she moves on with her journey. It is my sincere wish that Arlene will continue to make footprints in her heart and soul, wherever this life takes her. But one thing is certain: Arlene “Haas” [a] “Bright” future, after all! — Diane Stulga •

(Clockwise from top of page) River Crest Mt. Clare, Pa. Twins Arlene and Eileen.

Mother, Arlene and Eileen.

Birth certificate of Arlene.

Man vs Nature

Bobby Van Meter and the Great March Storm of 1962

Looking Back

O

n the evening of March 5, 1962, Bobby Van Meter attended a meeting of the

Barnegat Light First Aid Squad. At 17,

Bobby was a young, but full, member of the Squad. He arrived cold and damp from the persistent sleet and wind drubbing the Island.

Bobby remembers that local weather predictions called for a “dandy” of a storm.

Little did he know that the word dandy clearly would diminish the reality of what was headed for LBI ...

Page 80 • Echoes of LBI

Photo courtesy Robert Hall

Chief Bob Van Meter, view from W. Essex Ave. Two years after the March storm, before Harvey Cedarâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s was completely rebuilt. Photo courtesy Merry Van Meter

Former ocean side market in Harvey Cedars.

Eve Van Meter fishing. In the background is the former Sister of Charity.

Looking Back

Bobby Van Meter and the Great March Storm of 1962

Photos courtesy Robert Hall

Soon, the newspapers would be describing “the grotesque chaos created by nature on a rampage” and summarizing this historic storm as follows: “On March 6, 1962, a violent northeast storm — perhaps the worst within memory — smashed the New Jersey coastline, rendering it helpless and almost unrecognizable. The storm brought to Ocean County a thick swirling snowfall, roaring winds, and towering seas. When the skies cleared, a jagged trail of destruction was left.” Bobby had no idea of the magnitude of that looming storm or that he would be reading this referenced account a few months later in The Great March Storm 1962, a 32- page, black and white supplement published by The Ocean County Sun in late 1962. It sold for a quarter and depicted the general devastation of the Ocean County coastline.

The supplement, however, could not hope to tell the story of Bobby’s encounters with the so-called “Great March Storm of 1962” or the many other personal stories of loss and heroism that it engendered. But now, 50 years later, Bobby still clearly remembers the morning of Tuesday, March 6, 1962. He had recognized the difference between that storm and previous ones.

The distinctions were beyond obvious, but without the benefit of today’s modern alert systems, students could not easily be informed to stay home. So, on that day, like any other school day, Bobby boarded the school bus on the corner of Essex and the Boulevard in Harvey Cedars, conveniently right in front of his house. A curiously early riser, he enjoyed riding the bus north to Barnegat Light before his siblings would board the bus on its way back south, ultimately to head off Island for Southern Regional High School in Manahawkin. As the bus journeyed north, Bobby looked up and down the ocean blocks. He remembers seeing wave after wave climbing over the dunes and onto the streets, flowing all the way to the Boulevard.

“The bus couldn’t get past 10th Street due to flooding. When the bus driver turned the bus around, I asked to be let off at my stop.” Bobby’s sisters, Merry and Cheryl, and another neighbor, Donna, spotted the bus coming and ran from their homes to meet it. The driver had barely cracked the bus door, when Page 82 • Echoes of LBI

the wind blew the folding door wide open. At this point, the driver told Bobby and the waiting commuters to go back to their homes. The girls apprehensively complied and ran home, but Bobby waded north to the Harvey Cedars Firehouse.

In the meantime, Bobby’s father, Bob Van Meter, the Chief of Police of Harvey Cedars, was experiencing one of his many encounters with the storm. The penciled notes he made give us a glimpse of the truly bizarre circumstances that prevailed that day: “I went up to Barnegat Light to try and stop the school bus, as the water was over the road around 79th and 80th Streets. I missed the bus and met Mayor Thomas at Essex Ave. He gave me a stranded high school teacher, Mrs. Westervelt, and I once again tried to get to the school bus which was heading south.” Unfortunately, though, Chief Van Meter’s police car became submerged in the rising ocean waters in the street. A wave caught the car and the frigid water came in the door. Chief Van Meter opened the other door to let the water out at High Barbaree, near Camden Avenue. He and Mrs. Westervelt got out and waded to his house.

Amongst the debris, they saw a stove float by.

The Chief’s notes continue: “I got a ride up town and got the Borough’s jeep to use the rest of the day. At about 5 p.m., Bert Bohlin came to use the police car. At about 10 p.m., we were in Borough Hall because no vehicle would run. The tide was coming, and rising water was all around Borough Hall. Houses were being pushed into each other on 77th Street. We used a flashlight to see. The porch ripped off Borough Hall and a little later the foundation washed out. Water poured in under the Hall and pushed up the heaters. At about 1 a.m., we left the Borough Hall because we could see dry land outside. Bert went home to 82nd St. and I walked down Long Beach Blvd. to my house, where I stayed until about 3 p.m. Wednesday.”

Meanwhile, on Wednesday morning, Bobby, who had stayed the night at the Harvey Cedars Firehouse, woke very early to discover that the tide had receded. Bobby and two colleagues, Dave Ash and Bill Forbes, ventured outside and saw a fire in the distance. They trudged towards the fire through mounds

Looking Back

Bobby Van Meter and the Great March Storm of 1962

of sand; the gravel road was gone. Initially, they noticed an overturned Atlantic City Electric truck. Then, they spotted seven people trapped in an oceanside house, surrounded by water. A group of Army men arrived on the scene and helped the boys tie a rope to a pole as a tether for a rowboat. Eventually, they pulled all seven to safety. Hours later, the house was gone, swept away by the incoming tide. After the rescue, Bobby wanted to return to the Harvey Cedars Firehouse, but the Army officers forbade him from going any further north. They instructed him to go to the Surf City Firehouse. Plans changed again, however, and he was instructed to report to the Fire Department in Ship Bottom. It would be days before he was able to return home. He had no idea about the status of his family or their home.

When Chief Van Meter arrived home on Tuesday night, he found his wife Eve had prepared pots and pots of potato soup in the first few hours of the storm, before the electricity went out. “We were eating that for days,” their daughter Cheryl reminisced. It was a wise move, Cheryl concludes, considering that, “We couldn’t get to the ground level freezer for other food.” She also recalls, with more than a little nostalgia, “We also couldn’t bring our border collie out for walks. But Freckles must have understood the danger, too, because she was very cooperative and peed in the tub when she had to go.”

Chief Van Meter and his wife Eve were in fear for their lives and those of their children and everyone else who had been sheltered in their home. Even so, their children did not truly understand the magnitude of this storm. They had been evacuated for prior hurricanes, but this was a nor’easter. Plus, they were staying home, so they presumed they were safe. They thought this was just another wet, winter storm. In fact, they took this all in as a bit of an adventure. Oh, the innocence of youth!

The Chief’s youngest son, Jonnie, who was nine, had stationed himself at a northeast corner window and, with every wave he spotted, would fearlessly exclaim, “Here comes a wave, here comes another one!” With amusement park excitement, the children would shriek and brace for the shudder and spray. Their parents, however, watched the tides and began to think of ways to prepare for the worst, for the potential dislodging and collapse of their house.

A couple of hours before the next high tide, the children were given a shot of brandy. Cheryl ponders that gesture from time to time, to this day. “They didn’t take the drink for themselves, although they were the ones who knew how perilous our situation was. They poured it for the children,” she said. In retrospect, Cheryl believes her parents may have been attempting to warm them up in anticipation of a possible plunge into the frigid waters around them.

“My parents were not drinkers, but my mother should have taken that brandy. She was the one handling all the stress. She was the one who needed it,” Cheryl said, looking as if she were reliving the event as she stared into a distance of 50 years. “Up until now, I have shared very little about my family’s experiences in that storm,” she admits, as she drifts back and continues to fill in the gaps between her father’s notes and her brother’s recollections. “The scariest part was when the house 200 feet away to the northeast began to head right for us. My parents Page 84 • Echoes of LBI

ASAP (Alternative Support Apparatus, LLC.) 6-wheel-drive off-road ambulance. Bobby Van Meter. Photo credit Denis Kirby

began to prepare us for the worst. They told us to grab onto anything big and to hang on to it. A big wave followed behind the one the approaching house was riding upon and it washed it towards us within five feet. Then, suddenly, somehow the wave slid our neighbor’s home behind us.”

The Chief’s notes continue to relate scenes of devastation: “At daylight on Wednesday morning, the pink house belonging to Mr. Schweitzer was in back of Mrs. Katsman’s, but it looked like it was not damaged. The old Knopp house was still there. The brown house of Mr. Fiore was against the D’Agostina house, but the D’Agostina house drifted into the Scheffners’ house, which went into Dr. Toewe’s. And the houses in the High Barbaree tract were moving toward the highway. I and my family got out of our house about 3 p.m. on Wednesday. “ The Van Meters — mother, father, siblings, and all of the people they had sheltered after Chief Van Meter had saved them from immersed cars along the road — evacuated the house when the Chief saw a break at low tide. They all slid down the broken deck and made their way to the Bible Conference building in Harvey Cedars, where the women and children stayed for two days before they were evacuated by helicopter. Cheryl adds here, rather coyly, that she smuggled the dog onto the helicopter under her jacket. “No pets were allowed, but I think they knew and just looked the other way,” she said, with a wry smile.

During the ensuing days, young Bobby was busy working with other volunteers, helping to rescue and transport people off of the Island. He would make runs to the Southern Regional High School, shower, change clothes, and hop on a bread or mail truck to get back over to the Island. In those days, of course, there was no way to communicate with his family and friends. Unbeknownst to Bobby, his mother, aunt, and siblings had not only been evacuated for a brief stay at the Bible Conference, they had also been subsequently airlifted to Southern Regional High School and, later, had joined his grandparents at their home in Waretown. Bobby was also out of touch with his dad, who was still working tirelessly in Harvey Cedars.

With great relief, Bobby eventually learned that his aunt, Mer-

Bobby Van Meter and the Great March Storm of 1962 iba Walker, had chosen to leave her home on Burlington Avenue in Harvey Cedars and had made her way to his parents’ home.

During prior storms, she had always refused to leave her home.

Thankfully, this time, Aunt Meriba felt compelled to do so. The entire block of houses where she lived was completely destroyed — not one survived. Mixed emotions still prevail when Bobby notes that she, like so many others, had a difficult time rebuilding because the banks insisted that these unfortunate homeowners still had mortgages to pay on their destroyed homes.

Bobby also remembers that large and heavy portable radios were the only source of communication, that four-wheel drive vehicles were the only useful means of transportation, that the Police were stationed at the Bible Conference building to prevent looting, and that only people with a deed to their property were allowed on the Island for several days. He characterized the post storm Island as follows: “Downed telephone poles with live wires and cars, houses, and businesses floating in the Bay. The Island had been broken through in three places.”

When Bobby could not be reached at the Surf City Fire Department, rumors began to circulate that he was dead. There were also reports that Bobby’s dad had passed away in this massive storm, as well. Tragic news, of course, has a habit of spreading like wild fire, and these false stories were passed on as far away as Florida. Bobby now sentimentally adds that his family received cards and letters of sympathy for sometime after the storm. (Thankfully, they were just rumors!)

During Bobby’s travails, his mother, siblings, and Aunt Meriba were sheltered at the Bible Conference. His younger sister Cheryl recalls the morning of Thursday, March 8, in vivid detail.

“We kids all ran to the top of the Bible Conference tower to see if our house was still there. But it wasn’t with apprehension.

How odd?” Cheryl recalled, as she paused and, again, stared off into the distance, apparently searching for simpler answers. A moment later, she seemed resolved and then revealed, “It was pure curiosity. I was not afraid either way. I was just curious, and, yes, the house was still where we left it. The reason our house remained standing was it was constructed of steel beams and joists. It stayed square while most of the homes around us folded under the impact of each coming wave.”

During their brief stay at the Bible Conference, Cheryl was given the job of bunking in with her Aunt Meriba to comfort her.

Aunt Meriba had lost everything, but Cheryl and her younger siblings had not immediately grasped the enormity of this loss.

For quite some time, this cataclysmic event was more like an adventure for them. There was, however, one moment of panic for her and her family. They hadn’t heard from her brother Bobby or her dad, Chief Van Meter, for several days.

Chief Van Meter’s notes reveal one of the many obstacles he faced: “I did not get back to my house until about 5 p.m. on Thursday which was after the copter had taken the people — the group at the Bible Conference and the group from around the firehouse. I went into my house to get a pair of pants and some clothes, then I went back to the firehouse to get something to eat.

I did not get south of 77th Street until Monday. Then, I went to Waretown to see my wife.” Thankfully, he reunited with his wife

before neighbors began sending their condolences, prompted by reports in the local papers, like the one in the Atlantic City Press that read: “There was an unconfirmed report that Harvey Cedars Police Chief Robert Van Meter was missing or dead.”

Cheryl ponders the March ‘62 storm often and still struggles to understand her lack of fear, the sense of adventure she felt, and the fun she had in the months that followed when she and her family temporarily relocated to Ship Bottom. Cheryl’s sister Merry also remembers how much fun it all seemed: “Riding in the helicopter and getting clothes from the firehouse donated by the Red Cross — it was a big adventure, it was actually fun at the time.” Cheryl’s sister, Susie, the youngest of six, thought it was just another drill: “We used to practice fire drills from the third floor because that was our room, the girls’ dorm. I was happy as long as we had the dog.”

During our interview, Cheryl suddenly remembered Aunt Meriba’s “gorgeous” collection of crystal. “In many of the bowls, she kept silver dollars. They were all washed away,” she now sighs at the memory. But not all of her memories are quite so sad. “We children spent hours searching for typewriter keys because the Remington Company offered to replace my aunt’s typewriter if we could find any evidence of it,” she said, smiling as though some epiphany had finally occurred. She then exclaimed, “I think my parents were just giving us ridiculous things to do to keep us busy.”

Cheryl also recalled, “When we were able to come back to the Island, we stayed in Ship Bottom and, after school everyday, my sister and I would go to the Firehouse and look through the donated clothes to pick out our outfits for the next day. This is when I fell in love with blue silk stockings. There were piles of donated blue silk stockings and I took many of them. I have favored blue silk stockings ever since. They were the one luxury that the ‘62 storm left for me.”

Recollections such as these abound for those who “weathered” the ‘62 storm.

The Van Meters lost everything in their house — all of their belongings were either waterlogged or washed away. But like so many Islanders, Bob and Eve Van Meter battled the storm, survived it, and immediately jumped to the task of re-building their lives once the worst had passed. Indeed, Bob, a native of Harvey Cedars, and Eve, a native of Waretown, would have it no other way.

They met at a high school Valentine’s Day dance, fell in love, married in 1941, and, in 1944, began to raise their family in Harvey Cedars. Their life was firmly rooted on this Island, and nothing — not even the Great March Storm of 1962 — was going to change that.

They never once thought of leaving their beloved LBI. Shortly after the Storm of ’62, Bobby met his wife, Carole. They have lived on LBI in Barnegat Light ever since, and Bobby has served as a first responder here for over 50 years.

As a true professional, Bobby stresses the importance of beach replenishment projects and passionately speaks about heeding evacuation notices. These days, thanks to people like Bobby, we take every storm seriously, as we should. LBI is truly lucky to have a first responder like Bobby Van Meter — a true hero of the Great March Storm of 1962. — Diane Stulga •

Looking Back

.

Bottom storm damage Brant Beach and Ship dley Bra na Don y rtes cou Photos

The Storm of 1962 Page 86 • Echoes of LBI

L

ong Beach Island is such an enchanting place: beautiful sunrises on the beach, lovely sunsets over the Bay. For at least three of the year’s seasons, LBI offers its residents and visitors the chance to sail, swim, surf, fish, kayak, socialize, eat, and shop ‘til they drop. I live here year round and love my Island — the light, the sand, its history. I am a third generation Islander and have always been interested in the life stories of fellow natives, as well as those of the many others who have relocated to this irresistible spot.

My family structure is built on the sands of Long Beach Island.

My mom, Dianne Poland, and my late father, Charles Wenstrom, met here on LBI in 1960. I met my husband, Wade Bradley, here in 1984, when I was 17. Wade kept his boat at Southwick’s Marina, the same marina where my parents kept their boat. We met during a fishing tournament and became fast friends. Years later, we started dating, and, in 1998, we married, here on LBI. Wade’s parents, Patricia and Richard Bradley, also met here, at Wida’s, an historic LBI locale that is now daddyO’s. Many might think that sand is not a great or dependable place to build a home, but as an inhabitant of LBI I can confidently state that Long Beach Island is very much like life itself: it has its ups and downs, but keeps moving forward.

One of the Island’s most memorable “downs” is the infamous “Storm of ‘62,” a relentless, three-day nor’easter that began on

March 6th. Although this devastating storm occurred before I was born, I have always been fascinated by the photos and stories that my mom and dad collected. I looked at this accumulation of black and white photographs many times throughout my childhood, not with the curiosity of a rubbernecker on the highway, but with the wide-eyed yearning of a child needing to know more about her parents’ bravery and sense of adventure, as well as their dedication to their friends and neighborhood.

In 1962, my parents did not live year round on LBI. At that point, they were only spending summers here at the home my maternal grandparents built on 55th Street in Brant Beach in 1954. My paternal grandparents rented a house on the Boulevard in the same neighborhood. This is, of course, how my parents met.

As soon as the storm passed, my parents and grandmother came down to see how “our” Island had fared in the storm. The Causeway was closed to incoming traffic, however, so they headed back inland and chartered a plane to survey the Island.

Unfortunately, we do not have photos from that fly-over, but it did permit them to see that the house had survived the storm.

As you can see by the photos that we do have, though, this was a devastating storm that took lives, destroyed property, and changed the landscape of Long Beach Island, as well as many

other coastal communities. Homes were literally ripped off their foundations and broken apart. Cars were buried in the sand and left in pieces. My mom remembers seeing pieces of houses pulled from the Bay by fisherman for several summers following the storm.

Modern technology and advances in meteorology now provide us with more effective early warnings of dangerous storms, and advancements in coastal building codes certainly ensure that homes are now built to better withstand powerful storms. My family photos of the Storm of ’62, however, should still serve as an important reminder to all of us that, when a hurricane or nor’easter is forecast, we must all prepare our properties for the worst and leave the Island, especially when an evacuation is ordered. We can always come back.

Before the Storm of ’62, there were only a few houses on 55th Street, and even fewer remained after March 9, 1962. But all of the traces of this devastating storm have long since disappeared.

My old neighborhood has thrived and is now more popular then ever. It is not hard to believe that very few empty lots remain these days. Long Beach Island just has a way of enthralling visitors and tempting them back each summer (or, for a lifetime).

It simply romances most its visitors into surrender. I know that I’m in love. Aren’t you? — Donna Bradley •

Looking Back

S torm

of

(Sung to the Tune of Sink The Bismarck)

‘62

In March of 1962, the storm had just begun Virginia had a lot of snow; the rest of the East had a storm New Jersey had the strongest winds the state had ever seen The houses washed away like boxes in a stream The storm hit the beaches and on the fatal day About 100 houses washed or blew away The Navy and the Guard went to work immediately And saved a lot of people who were trapped by the sea REFRAIN We gotta fight the storm that’s makin’ such a fuss We gotta save the people ‘cause their lives depend on us So hit those beaches running boys and get those people out Because the storm is gettin’ worse and time is running out For four long days and weary nights the people fought the storm The Governor said, “Keep it up, boys, the Coast Guard has affirmed That somewhere on that island people gotta be So we gotta save those people from their deaths by the sea” The storm was gone the fifth day and they saw the morning sun The battle was finally over and the people had won The Governor was thankful that only nine had died He thanked the Red Cross and the Navy for the help they had supplied REFRAIN The rebuilding of the island started with a flash They tore down the houses that had been badly smashed The damage of the night is just a memory ‘Cause they covered up the damage done by the terrible sea [This little ditty was written by Randolph-Macon Academy schoolmates of Leigh Walker, a former long-time resident of Harvey Cedars, New Jersey. Leigh’s house washed away in the great storm of 1962, but his dog Pattycake made it through the storm to Leigh’s grandfather’s house, which was located on higher ground in Harvey Cedars, more than a half mile away. Leigh and his mom, Meriba Walker, lost everything, but their love for Harvey Cedars inspired them to rebuild — this time on pilings.]

Ocean’s Fury - Pete Milnes photo Page 88 • Echoes of LBI

Gear Adrift

Robert Kline mermaid artwork available at Things A Drift in Ship Bottom.

While Your Were Gone

Gary Mister III, first prize winner of the Ship Bottom Merchants ornament contest, enjoying his bike donated by Walters Bicycles.

GiGi with Santa. Santa on vacation. Cheryl Kirby photo Page 90 â&#x20AC;˘ Echoes of LBI

Santa’s favorite team - Go Giants!

Victory in hand (Diane Stulga’s hand). Giant’s photos courtesy Diane Stulga.

Ship Bottom Merchants parade, Vic Stulga’s winning roadster 1929. Diane Stulga photo

While Your Were Gone

Kevin, Rena, Jane, Colleen, Cheryl, Eva, Fred, and Denis.

A New LBI Tradition: The New Year’s Day Ship Bottom Polar Plunge

C

an you think of a better way to ring in the New Year than taking a refreshing dip in the ocean? Well, that’s exactly what we did this year. On January 1, we took the plunge and began a tradition that we hope we’ll be carrying into the future for many, many years: the Annual New Year’s Day Ship Bottom Polar Plunge!

The idea behind our new glacial rite took flight after I casually remarked to my husband Fred on New Year’s Eve, “Hey, it’s almost warm enough to go swimming in the ocean.” The suggestion really wasn’t a serious one, as my husband is not one to go into the ocean much, even during summer. I figured the chances of him taking me up on this icy challenge were about zero. Later that day, though, as we were sitting around chatting with friends on that rather balmy New Year’s Eve, my earlier remark came up in conversation. After a series of surprising expressions of support and interest, lo and behold, the group (including my husband!) unanimously decided that we would start a tradition of plunging into the Atlantic on New Year’s Day. As we began to fine-tune the details of our dip, one of our friends, Cheryl Kirby, even suggested we “dress up” for the event.

The group immediately warmed to the idea and began digging through costumes and old clothes in hopes of finding the perfect Page 92 • Echoes of LBI

sartorial compliment for the alter ego they would be adopting for the following day’s festive, but frigid, plunge. In no time, we had gotten the particulars of our gelid gambol “down cold.”

In the few hours that remained before we “broke the ice” on our inaugural dive, everyone we came in contact with on LBI was invited to join us at the 4th Street beach in Ship Bottom at noon to either participate in or observe the 1st Annual New Year’s Day Ship Bottom Polar Plunge. Several of our friends and neighbors showed up and, to our surprise, we even picked up a last-minute convert. As everyone assembled, there was a young couple walking over the dune to see what was happening on the beach. The young man stripped down to his shorts, ran toward the water, and also took the plunge! By the way, the weather cooperated fully, with the air temperature in the low 50s and the water temperature only slightly cooler.

Our Polar Plunge was an exhilarating and refreshing way to start 2012, and we can’t wait to do it again! It’s a great way to start the year off with a feeling of empowerment, not to mention a great way to beat a hangover!! So, mark your calendars.

Next year’s event will take place January 1st at noon on Ship Bottom’s 4th Street beach. Come in costume and help us keep the new tradition going! — Vickie VanDoren •

ON TV ONLINE ON SMARTPHONES

LBI TV airs 10 times every day all summer long on LBI cable channel 22, and all year long online. Check out this video series featuring the people, places, activities, and events that make the LBI lifestyle so special. For TV air times, or to watch anytime online, go to LBITV.com. For ad info, call 609-294-2111.

LBI TV 2012 features Presented by the Southern Ocean County Chamber of Commerce

t Discover Barnegat Light t *tâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Happening in Harvey Cedars t &YQMPre Surf City

2012 Excellence in Tourism Award Winner!

t Ship Bottom: Gateway to LBI t -POH #FBDI Township WFMDPNFT You t #FBDI )aven The Queen City

All Things Handmade

Sculpture by Max Emmer

gallery 1603 gallery & boutique

1603 Long Beach Blvd. Surf City, NJ 08008 609.494.1699 â&#x20AC;˘ www.gallery1603.com

Movie Synopses Manufacturing Stoke o other sport is so intrinsically linked to nature. Some call it a spiritual experience, most call it indescribable. And yet, in becoming the multi-billion dollar industry it is today, a great paradox has risen. Surfers are indeed directly connected to the earth’s pulse and yet a majority of the materials used are environmentally toxic.

The story begins in the 1960s, the golden era of surfing, a time of innocence and discovery. Surf culture erupted onto the collective consciousness and became the epitome of cool. Fast forward to Dec. 5, 2005 and the closing of Clark Foam for environmental reasons, the largest surf blanks manufacturer in the world. Not only was the event a wake-up call for many to shift from petroleumbase products to more eco-friendly materials, it also reframed the foundation

N

of a stagnant culture.

Enter surfing’s renaissance, an era where the new generation is completely changing what it means to be a surfer.

And amid timid efforts from the industry’s biggies, a plethora of grassroots up-and-comers is redefining what a surfer is supposed to ride. From wooden surfboards, handplanes and alaias to recycled blanks and organic clothing, wave riding is taking on a new soul.

Manufacturing Stoke is an introspective look into the surfing culture’s struggle to be beneficial unto itself, a tapestry of both influential and eclectic members of the surfing community that are constantly striving for positive change.

Chasing Ice n the spring of 2005, National Geographic photographer James Balog headed to the Arctic on a tricky assign-

I Page 96 • Echoes of LBI

ment: to capture images to help tell the story of the Earth’s changing climate.

Even with a scientific upbringing, Balog had been a skeptic about climate change and a cynic about the nature of academic research. But that first trip north opened his eyes to the biggest story in human history and sparked a challenge within him that would put his career and his very well-being at risk.

Chasing Ice is the story of one man’s mission to change the tide of history by gathering undeniable evidence of our changing planet. Within months of that first trip to Iceland, the photographer conceived the boldest expedition of his life: The Extreme Ice Survey. With a band of young adventurers in tow, Balog began deploying revolutionary timelapse cameras across the brutal Arctic to capture a multi-year record of the world’s changing glaciers.

Synopses continued Next Page ...

FRIDAY JUNE 1 LBI Foundation of the Arts and Sciences 6:00 p.m. - For Ellen (Opening Night Film) 8:30 p.m. - The Ambassador (Spotlight) 10:30 p.m. - International Shorts Block LBI Historical Society & Museum 7:30 p.m. - Surfing Double Feature (Come Hell or High Waterw/Lost & Found) 9:45 p.m. - This Ain’tCalifornia (Documentary) Ship Bottom School 8:00 p.m. - Pavilion (Narrative) 9:45 p.m. - Journey to Planet X (Documentary) Island Baptist Church 7:00 p.m. - Township to the Stage (Documentary) 9:00 p.m. - Light of Mine (Narrative) 9:00 p.m. - Opening Night Party at The Dutchman’s

SATURDAY, JUNE 2nd 9:00 a.m. - Breakfast with Filmmakers (at The Gateway) LBI Foundation of the Arts and Sciences 11:00 a.m. - Chasing Ice (Spotlight) 1:00 p.m. - Now, Forager (Spotlight) 3:15 p.m. - Take This Waltz (Spotlight) 5:30 p.m. - Save The Date (Spotlight) 8:00 p.m. - Little Birds (Centerpiece) LBI Historical Society & Museum 12:00 p.m. - Daylight Savings 2:00 p.m. - TBA 4:30 p.m. - Searching for Sonny (Narrative) 7:00 p.m. - Extracted (Spotlight) 9:15 p.m. - TBA Ship Bottom School 11:30 a.m. - Shorts Block #2 1:30 p.m. - Faith, Love & Whiskey (Narrative) 4:00 p.m. - TBA 6:30 p.m. - My Wedding and Other Secrets (Narrative) 9:00 p.m. - Into the Wake (Narrative) Island Baptist Church 11:30 a.m. - Student Films 1:30 p.m. - New York Showcase (Documentary) 4:00 p.m. - Teddy Bear (Spotlight) 6:30 p.m. - Manufacturing Stoke (Surfing) 9:30 p.m. - Official Saturday Festival Party (at Joe Pop’s)

SUNDAY, JUNE 3 9:00 a.m. - Breakfast with Filmmakers (at The Gateway) LBI Foundation of the Arts and Sciences 11:30 a.m. - TBA 2:00 p.m. - TBA 4:30 p.m. - TBA (Closing Film) LBI Historical Society & Museum 12:00 a.m. - TBA 2:00 p.m. - Bir Avuc Deniz (Narrative) Ship Bottom School 11:30 a.m. - Shorts Block #3 1:30 p.m. - Kings Park (Documentary) 6:00 p.m. - Closing Festival Party at The Dutchman’s

Venue & Ticket Information Tickets will be on sale at www.lighthousefilmfestival.org and the following locations:

Ship Bottom School 20th St. & Central Ave. Ship Bottom, NJ

LBI Foundation of the Arts &Sciences 120 N Long Beach Blvd.

Loveladies, NJ

Island Baptist church 215 3rd Street Beach Haven 08008

LBI Historical Museum Engleside and Beach Avenues Beach Haven, NJ

Chamber of Commerce 265 W. 9th Street Ship Bottom, NJ

Movie times subject to change.

Check lighthousefilmfestival.org for final schedule!

Things A Drift 406 Long Beach Blvd Ship Bottom, NJ

As the debate polarizes America and the intensity of natural disasters ramps up globally, Balog finds himself at the end of his tether. Battling untested technology in subzero conditions, he comes face to face with his own mortality. It takes years for Balog to see the fruits of his labor.

His hauntingly beautiful videos compress years into seconds and capture ancient mountains of ice in motion as they disappear at a breathtaking rate. Chasing Ice depicts a photographer trying to deliver evidence and hope to our carbon-powered planet.

Journey to planet X ric Swain and Troy Bernier are scientists by day and amateur filmmakers by night. Over the years these two friends have turned out many of their own amateur, sci-fi inspired movies.

Journey to Planet X follows the filming of Planet X, the duo’s most ambitious endeavor to date, and sheds light on their unique brand of “movie magic.”

While Troy views Planet X as an opportunity to launch a career in the movie-industry, Eric is content with making films as a playful and creative hobby. Troy’s bold new aspirations greatly exceed anything they’ve accomplished in previous films and the pressure of raising the bar forces both to take a leap of faith. They recruit the involvement of everyone they can find – from their own family members, to coworkers, and local aspiring actors. They shoot on sand dunes, highway overpasses, and inside an industrial-sized freezer at a local supermarket. Together with their cast and crew, they form an unlikely community of like-minded adventurers.

hometown. But Alison is content with her life; she enjoys being sheltered from the uncertainty of growing up. When the girls meet three street kids, Lily convinces Alison to follow the boys to Los Angeles.

Thrust into a world of excitement and danger, the girls must decide how far they are willing to go to get what they want.

Writer/director Elgin James possesses an innate understanding of the fledgling characters, valiantly brought to life on the screen by Juno Temple and Kay

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Little Birds ittle Birds emanates both a harsh reality and an innocent luster as it explores the vigorous desire to escape one’s home—and the heavy price it can cost. Fifteen-year-old Lily and her best friend, Alison, live on the shores of the Salton Sea. Sprinting toward adulthood, Lily wants to escape her depressing

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Rotterdam Film Festival and screened at MoMA and Lincoln Center as part of New Directors/New Films, this beautiful film shows some of the most images of the foraging lifestyle and was partially shot in New Jersey’s pine barrens.

Take This Waltz hen Margot (Michelle Williams), 28, meets Daniel (Luke Kirby), their chemistry is intense and immediate.

But Margot suppresses her sudden attraction; she is happily married to Lou (Seth Rogen), a cookbook writer. When she learns that Daniel lives across the street from them, the certainty about her domestic life shatters. She and Daniel steal moments throughout the steaming Toronto summer, their eroticism heightened by their restraint. Swelteringly hot, bright and colorful like a bowl of fruit, Take This Waltz leads us, laughing, through the familiar, but uncharted question of what long-term relationships do to love, sex, and our images of ourselves.

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Extracted homas Jacobs invents a way to watch people’s memories from the inside.

Going against his morals, he accepts an offer to enter a heroin addict’s memories to literally see if he committed a crime.

However, a malfunction causes his consciousness to become trapped inside the criminal’s mind. He remains a prisoner in the addict’s memories for more than four years until he discovers the possibility of escape.

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Panabaker, who perfectly embody their strength and fragility. Brutally honest and beautifully rendered, Little Birds delivers a stunning portrait of innocence lost.

Now, Forager ucien and Regina are foragers - they gather wild mushrooms and sell them to New York restaurants. Their lifestyle is simple, their income unstable. As Regina seeks more stability and Lucien wants to devote himself to full-time nomadic foraging, their individual desires put the marriage to a test. A food lovers’ film. A breakthrough film that premiered at the

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Pavilion ax leaves his lakeside town to live with his father on the fringe of suburban Arizona. Both fever dream and quiet trip, “Pavilion” creates a deep and ethereal world, showing us an innocent way of life coming apart at the seams, constructing an indelible image of the enigma of youth. One of 10 films selected for IFP’s 2011 Narrative Lab, Pavilion” was also selected by the Film Society of Lincoln Center’s 2011 Emerging Visions Workshop. •

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