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President's Message Joe Fabian President@ocsj.org
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A topic that comes up often is the marketing of high-cost items to enjoy our activities. These marketing efforts by advertisers and retailers should not discourage potential members from joining our club. And these products are basically unnecessary. A couple years ago, a lady called me about a club kayaking trip I scheduled. She said she did not have a kayak or life jacket otherwise known as a personal flotation device (PFD). No problem, I told her I have an extra kayak and PFD to loan. I told her I will bring an extra paddle to the starting point. No need, she said, she had just purchased a carbon fiber paddle for $500. Wow! What store clerk talked her into buying that paddle? There are plenty of used kayaks and functional paddles available cheap and perhaps free.
High end bicycles are another issue. In Montgomery County, recently a cyclist riding a pricy bike was held up at gun point with a shot fired. The crook threw the bike into his Mustang and took off with it. The police in Bucks County caught up with him and unbelievably a gunfight ensued. He was arrested with no bail due to several counts of attempted murder against police officers. A couple good locked bikes were recently stolen off parked car rear racks. Snip with a bolt cutter did the trick for the thief. One of my neighbors, a serious cyclist, showed me his “everyday” bike that he paid $12k for and he has a much more expensive road bike for special events. I question the value of spending that much money on a bike. Does it really help a recreational riders go faster? In June 1985, I got talked into attempting a double century bike ride called the Longest Day by a couple of our cycling leaders, Tom Burns and Ed Jarvis. The ride was from High Point NJ, actually starting in Port Jervis NY, to Cape May NJ, 223 miles. I rode a 1970’s vintage PX-10 Peugeot bike with sneakers and running shorts. I bought the bike for $225 from a schoolteacher. I recently mentioned spending $500 for cycling shoes as too much and one of our members was critical of me for that comment. I once rode a 5-day trip from Pittsburgh, PA to Georgetown in Washington DC. One member of our group told me she bought her bicycle at a garage sale for $70 three weeks before the start and did very well on it. There is a fellow who lives in Collingswood NJ who years ago rode a 3 speed English racer bike consistently over 25 miles per hour. Joe Vitale, at the now closed D & Q sporting goods store, fixed him up with a real road bike. Anyway, members who are showing up for events with expensive equipment may be intimidating inexperienced members from participating in club activities. I don’t mention hikers because generally they seem not to be using expensive products. We should be encouraging novice club members to participate in activities not making them feel insecure.
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Vice President's Message Barbara Berman vp@ocsj.org |
I am pleased to announce that 6 members have decided to join our newly-formed Volunteer Committee. Our first meeting is going to be held on 09/03/25, and we are all very excited to come up with some new ideas for the club. Many thanks to Alice Gallagher, Vicky Gordon, Laura Kober, Deb Mento, Joanne McNally, and Janine Padgett for volunteering their time. In addition, we are listening to our members’ suggestions and are looking into getting a separate “Social” meetup for those events that encompass all our groups. If anyone has any ideas, please feel free to send them to me and we will add them to the list. Stay tuned!!
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CROSS COUNTRY SKIING/SNOWSHOEING NEWS Cross Country Ski Chair Barbara Brandt |
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TRAIL MAINTENANCE NEWS Trail Maintenance Representative Ro Mason |
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The OCSJ Trail Crew is on Summer hiatus and will return to our maintenance duties in October. Here are a few pictures of work days from several years.
Thank you to the crew, club members and the board for your continued support.
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ACTIVITY CHAIR Frank Pearce |
Thank you to Board member Eloise Williams for arranging CPR classes for qualified leaders, and Kathy Devlin OCSJ member and qualified instructor for running the classes.
PPA has allowed the free use of their Barn for the classes.
Note: qualified leaders can also arrange for classes on their own and are eligible for reimbursement up to a maximum of $75 per person.
To be a qualified leader. The Current policy requires leaders to lead the following number of activities in a year to qualify: XC - 1. Biking - 5. Canoe/kayak - 3. Hiking - 6. Backpacking -2.
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HIKING NEWS Hiking Chair Becky Strickland |
THE COST OF FUN
Our reasonable club dues of $20/year, $25 for a family, plus the (mostly) low cost of equipment & clothing make our activities accessible.
Our president, Joe Fabian, has discussed the potential cost of bicycle & kayak equipment, and the availability of less expensive and used gear for those activities.
Hiking is especially affordable. Though hiking boots are nice to have, in moderate terrain, sneakers and sport sandals work well. A waist pack or daypack is handy. In hot weather a cooling towel, in very cold weather insulated wicking underwear (long johns), make for a more comfortable trip. On rocky or root filled trails, I depend on my trekking poles.
Equipment is available in a wide variety of prices. Paying a little more usually means lighter, stronger materials (trekking poles, kayak paddles), lighter thinner fabrics (insulated wicking underwear, waist packs and backpacks, jackets and hats), more supportive, comfortable footwear. The least expensive item is generally not a good deal and the most expensive can be a waste of money. There is a sweet spot where a higher price means the item (paddles, trekking poles, back packs, clothing) can last for years, even decades, bringing the 'cost per year' down. I've had the same paddles, trekking poles, waist packs and day pack for decades.
I found out the hard way to hand wash those packs and not put one in the washing machine.
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CYCLING NEWS Cycling Chair Larry Caniglia |
Registration opened up for the annual Tour de Pines 4 day event in October benefiting the Pinelands Preservation Alliance (PPA) and which we are co-sponsoring for the first time. As a sponsor of the event, we were able to offer $20 discount coupons to the first 25 members who registered for the event. I am happy to report that we used up our allotment in the first week. Even though we have used up our allotted discount coupons there are still plenty of spots left on the various ride days to participate. If you are planning on attending the ride please remember to sign up and join the other 400 participants in the rides that weekend. You can ride from 1-4 days and all of the rides will take us through the Pinelands on less traveled roadways making for some beautiful rides. Tour de Pines Registration. The PPA has three goals of the Tour de Pines; people learning about and using the Pinelands; raising funds to help in all the activities conducted by the PPA in furtherance of its goals; and encouraging and recruiting more people to help protect this vital natural and beautiful resource. Over the next month you will be seeing more and more promotion of this event. Even if you choose not to ride in the event this year it is very easy to lend a hand. Simply by “liking” and “sharing” the posts you will see on our social media sites will help spread the word to a larger audience. The more we can do to support this event the greater the benefits we will all receive by helping to ensure the survival of the Pinelands. |
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KAYAKING/CANOEING NEWS Kayaking/Canoeing Chair Frank Pearce |
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When is a good time to buy a kayak. How about now?
For most paddlers, the paddling season is winding down.
Retail stores would rather sell than store kayaks until Spring.
Great deals are available on used kayaks.
Look for sale items in this Newsletter or our website
Outdoor Club of South Jersey - ITEMS FOR SALE
For Pinelands streams ,10 or 12 foot KayaKs are the best option for most paddlers.
· 10-foot Kayaks: A versatile size, these kayaks offer a good balance of stability for relaxed paddling and agility for navigating calm rivers and lakes.
· 12-foot Kayaks: Their increased length provides better tracking and speed. They’re a popular choice for those looking to tour larger bodies of water, from rivers to coastal regions.
· Kayaks have two types of stability:
· Primary Stability: This refers to how stable the kayak feels when it’s sitting flat on the water. Wider kayaks generally have better primary stability.
· Secondary Stability: This is how stable the kayak feels when it’s tilted on its side. Narrower kayaks often have better secondary stability, allowing skilled paddlers to lean into turns without tipping over.
Good source for reviews on kayaks and gear. https://paddling.com/
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BACKPACKING/CAMPING NEWS Backpacking/Camping Chair Kevin Drevik |
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Backpacking and Camping continues into fall for the Outdoor Club.
Congratulations to one of our hike leaders, Tom Kerbaugh, who finished the first half of the Appalachian Trail and climbed Mount Khatadin in Maine. Took him 2+ months to go from West Virginia to Maine. After a couple of days rest, he is heading back to West Virginia and going south to finish the AT.
Another month of fun on the trail with the backpacking and camping folks. We've got a beginner/intermediate hike in New York scheduled for around the Bear Mountain park. Get to walk across the Bear Mtn bridge at the lowest point of the AT. In October we have another beginner and intermediate hike planned to the 501 shelter. Pay attention to meetup, as several leaders are considering other trips in the next couple of months.
- Intermediate and beginner hike to Bear Mtn NY in September
- · Intermediate and beginner hike to the famous 501 shelter in October
More trips to come!
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MEMBER SPOTLIGHT CATHY CARLIS by Vera Stek |
By Vera Stek
Like many of us, Cathy Carlis is really looking forward to fall this year. While she’s mostly a hiker, in the summer heat she prefers to kayak for her exercise and outdoor fix and for sure this summer has presented more than the usual challenges in the way of heat and bugs.
While she only started to hike six years ago, she’s taken to it avidly and is a member of the Grand Mile Club, seeking to hike 1,000 miles per year. Cathy immediately took to appreciate trail life and has accomplished a number of long-distance milestones. Besides club hikes, she has completed several Mammoth Marches, which are 20-mile guided hikes held throughout the U.S., and she plans to do more of them in the future, seeing the U.S. one step at a time.
Here’s her story:
Q. Tell us about yourself.
CATHY: New Jersey has always been my home. I grew up in Yardville. Then lived in Plainsboro and Robbinsville before moving to Columbus 23 years ago. My husband and I just celebrated 30 years of marriage in May. We have one son. After a very brief stint in nursing school, I went on to study accounting. I was a CPA at a small public accounting firm before becoming a stay at home Mom and part time bookkeeper. I am now retired.
Q. When and why did you join the Outdoor Club? What benefits do you feel you’ve gained by belonging? What made you doing the Grand Mile Club?
CATHY: I’ve been a member of the club for two years. I enjoy the variety of hikes offered. It is amazing that I am still being introduced to “new to me” hikes in this little state of ours. I am very thankful for the many wonderful leaders who volunteer their time!!
Q. Do you participate in other club activities besides hiking? Do you have favorite places to hike? Is hiking something you did in your childhood and youth or did you start later in life?
CATHY: I started hiking about 6 years ago after becoming an empty nester. At first it was just a once a week outing with friends. And now, well…. some may call it an addiction, LOL. I’m not sure I have a “favorite” place to hike. As long as I’m in the woods. I do enjoy a good elevation challenge, but also love the serenity of the Pines.
Q. Do you hike year around? What weather do you think is best for hiking? What about ticks, chiggers, etc.? How do you deal with the pleasures of summer hiking?
CATHY: I am a three season hiker for the most part. The heat and bugs keep me away in summer. Kayaking gives me my much needed nature fix during this time. I am anxiously awaiting the fall. Miss all my regulars!!
Q. Any places on your bucket list?
CATHY: In 2022 I did my first Mammoth March. These are long distance (20 miles) hiking events held at many locations throughout the US. I have completed four so far, two at Allamuchy State Park in NJ, one at Bear Brook Park in NH and one at Kings Mountain State Park in SC. More to come!
Q. What are some of your other interests?
CATHY: In addition to hiking, I enjoy snow shoeing, kayaking, puzzles, and a day at the beach with a nice sea breeze.
Q Anything else you’d like to say about anything?
CATHY: Earlier this month while kayaking, our group watched in awe as a bear crossed the Musconectcong River in front of us. Only his (or her) head was visible. Not sure if it was swimming or walking (it's quite shallow). But it was one of the coolest things I've ever seen!!
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OFFICIAL OCSJ LOGO TSHIRTS |
The Outdoor Club of South Jersey is happy to announce the availability of club T-Shirts through Print Shop Shirts. Ordering will be ongoing, submitted regularly when there is a quantity sufficient to place the order.
We have 13 different styles to choose from ranging from simple ring spun cotton shirts, moisture management/antimicrobial performance fabric, to moisture wicking to UPF sun protection. Short sleeve and long sleeve with many different colors to choose from. Choose from full back printing only, or front left breast printing only, or both front & back printing.
The ordering process from Print Shop Shirts is simple:
Go to printshopshirts.com Click on "go to stores" Click on the OCSJ logo
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CORRESPONDING SECRETARY Maura Mawn |
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If you know of an OCSJ member who would benefit from receiving a card of congratulations for a milestone birthday, life event or a note of condolence, contact the Corresponding Secretary and a card will be sent on behalf of the club.
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Caring Cards: If you know of an OCSJ member who would benefit from receiving a card of congratulations for a milestone birthday, life event or a note of condolence, contact the Corresponding Secretary and a card will be sent on behalf of the club.
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If you know of an OCSJ member who would benefit from receiving a card of congratulations for a milestone birthday, life event or a note of condolence, contact the Corresponding Secretary and a card will be sent on behalf of the club.
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Shout Outs: Want to submit a "Shout Out"? Have you experienced a leader on an event that exceeded your expectations? Has a particular person gone above and beyond in their capacity as a leader or a participating member of OCSJ and you want to let everyone know? Tell about your experience in an email to the Corresponding Secretary and it will be published in our next Newsletter.
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Shout Outs: Want to submit a "Shout Out"? Have you experienced a leader on an event that exceeded your expectations? Has a particular person gone above and beyond in their capacity as a leader or a participating member of OCSJ and you want to let everyone know? Tell about your experience in an email to the Corresponding Secretary and it will be published in our next Newsletter.
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Hello Corresponding Secretary!
I would like to submit a Shout Out for the September Newsletter.
Shout Out to Barbara Berman. Shas been so much more than just OCSJ’s Vice President for the past several years — she’s been a problem-solver, an encourager, and a constant source of positive energy. Thanks, Barbara!
-Janine |
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For members who like to set goals and keep track of activity, join a Mileage Club and get a token of your achievement at the end of the year.
A new year means setting new goals- how about hiking 1000 miles in 2025?
The Grand Mile Club is for folks who love a challenge! The rules are simple but it takes grit and determination to finish. Each outing, be it walking, running, hiking, or treadmill, must be a minimum of 2 miles. To reach the lofty 1000 miles in a year, you will need to be logging 84 miles per month. There is a little more to it, so if you are interested in joining the elite GMC, contact Jenny Buffington for more details. Registration closes at the end of January. I'm looking forward to hearing from you! Do you want to go that extra mile? Then join the 500/750 mile club!
It's easy! and it's not a race or contest. Email Ann Palaitis with your name and 2025 miles goal.
Then record the total miles you hiked each month and email Ann who will keep track of your miles.
Kayaking Mileage Club - Kayakers report their miles annually to Frank Pearce.
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"THE OCSJ MARKET PLACE" the place to BUY-SELL-GIVE-BORROW |
https://ocsj.org/ITEMS-FOR-SALE
Rules for posting items for sale
INCLUDE THE FOLLOWING:
A Description of item for sale (Outdoor related)
B Asking price
C 1 or 2 pictures of items
D Contact information- seller's name, phone# and/or email
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Two (2) sit-in 12' Calypso kayaks $300.00 each, used
One (1) 9'8" Advanced Elements StraitEdge sit on inflatable kayak, 300 pound capacity $300.00, never used
Assorted equipment including paddles, wet bag, etc., and FREE storage racks if you can remove them from my garage. Firm on above prices.
Contact Regina at 856-753-3103 or rmccmr80@gmail.com. |
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$450.00 or best offer
Otter Old Town one person kayak with paddle approximately 9’5” long. Good condition.
Contact information 609–576-1001. |
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From your Membership Secretary ….
OCSJ memberships are good for one year. When its time to renew you will receive three email notices to the email address you provided to the club when you joined. The renewal notices will be sent to you : 30 days before you are due to renew, 15 days before and the day your membership renewal is due. If you do not renew on your anniversary date, Wild Apricot, our membership account database server, will automatically “Lapse and Archive” you and you will be removed from the club’s meetup pages soon after.
Don’t miss out on our great club activities! Please be prompt to renew.
Please check your spam/junk folders as sometimes your renewal notices will go to those folders.
If you change your account information especially your email address, log into your personal Wild Apricot account and make any necessary changes. You can also email me with changes or questions at membership@ocsj.org
To renew by check :
Checks are to be made out to Outdoor Club of South Jersey
Mail your check to:
OCSJ Membership Secretary
PO Box 74
Oceanville, NJ 08231
Checks may take two weeks to receive and be deposited so online renewals are much faster.
Thank you for renewing your memberships promptly and staying connected to a wonderful group of outdoor minded people like you!
Rosemarie (Ro) Mason
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Your club is made up entirely of volunteers. You will get more out of it, if you put more into it! There are many opportunities to help behind the scenes and on activities. Ask your leader about it on your next event. Let them know if you have any time or talents you would like to share with the club.
Board of Trustees - The OCSJ Board meets on the 2nd Thursday of each month at 7 pm. Currently, our meetings are on ZOOM. To attend the meetings, contact the OCSJ President, Joe Fabian, at president@ocsj.org
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There are several ways you can join or renew your OCSJ membership.
- Click the button below.
- Go to OCSJ.wildapricot.org or download the Wild Apricot app to your mobile device. Click on the “Join OCSJ Here” button and follow the prompts.
- Mail a check payable to: "OUTDOOR CLUB OF SOUTH JERSEY"
Mailing address:
Outdoor Club of South Jersey
PO Box 74
Oceanville, NJ 08231
Membership Level:
- Family Member - $25.00 Subscription period: 1 year (No automatically recurring payments)
- Family Auto Renewal - $25.00 Subscription period: 1 year Automatic renewal (recurring payments)
- Single Member - $20.00 Subscription period: 1 year (No automatically recurring payments)
- Single Auto Renewal - $20.00 Subscription period: 1 year Automatic renewal (recurring payments)
Membership Questions: Please contact OCSJ at membership@ocsj.org
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