Outdoor Club
of
South Jersey
NEWSLETTER
MARCH 2023
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President's Message
Joe Fabian |
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Spring is coming. It might have already come a bit early. Punxsutawney Phil called a late spring which may have been as bad a call like those bad calls the referees made against the Philadelphia Eagles at Super Bowl 57. I hear the kayak group actually snuck a trip in despite the calendar saying the middle of winter. On the other hand, Barbara Brandt, our cross-country chair, got some good trips in. The cyclists have been getting lots of rides in with dry, snow and ice-free roads. Hiking and trail maintenance have been very productive. Bridges on trails are being constructed on trails. Our club has been doing great. For our qualifying leaders we are hosting a leaders’ banquet at The Riverton Country Club. It gives our leadership a slap on the back of congratulations for doing a great job. The banquet is an annual event to bear in mind and encourage potential activity leaders to set up and lead events.
Joe Fabian, President OCSJ President@ocsj.org |
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Vice President's Message Barbara Berman |
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Spring seems beginning to appear, although I don’t want to jinx it by announcing it out loud. As we all know, this winter has been very strange. One good snowstorm would have been fun for those of us who like to cross-country ski and/or snowshoe. I did dream about doing these activities without having to drive hours aways from home, but the good thing is there was snow where we needed it to enjoy those winter activities. I am hoping you keep up-to-date with our calendar of events as there are lots of hikes, bike rides, and even paddling events in which to participate. Being outside and enjoying nature certainly does something for the soul. I, for one, am very grateful to be able to join in some of the activities. As members, I would bet you feel the same way. |
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Activity Chair's Message
Frank Pearce |
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We are now reimbursing our qualified leaders for attending cpr classes up to $75.
The first step to become a Qualified leader , a member must show they meet the standards to become a leader.
Next, they must have lead the required minimum number of activities in a physical year.
Hiking – leading 6 or more hikes per year • Biking – leading 5 or more rides per year • Cross-country skiing – leading 1 or more trips per year • Backpacking – leading 2 or more trips per year • Canoeing/kayaking – leading 3 or more trips per year
Those that meet the requirements will be considered qualified leaders,
They will receive both a complimentary membership and be invited to the award’s event the year after they qualify.
John Volpa, the director of the Black Run Preserve called Rosemarie Mason, our membership Secretary.
They are creating a brochure and will add us to it as a benefactor/ sponsor.
Good publicity for our club!
The $1000 we gave them is being used for training 12 new Ambassadors.
He said they are very grateful for our donation.
Frank Pearce |
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TRAIL MAINTENANCE NEWS
Trail Maintenance Representative:
Ro Mason |
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The OCSJ Trail Maintenance Crew had a crazy busy month in February. The weather was favorable which helped us when we took on the challenge of improving the trails within the Franklin Parker Preserve which included the 7 mile section of the Batona Trail that falls within the FPP boundaries.
We started with an assessment hike of the 6 mile Red Trail at the end of January noting which areas needed work and then initiated the improvements the following week. We also assessed the Yellow, White, Blue and Green Trails by foot or by car. Then the work began on the Batona and the FPP hiking trails.
We clipped and re blazed miles and miles of trails, added sign posts, repaired footbridges, replaced footbridges, stabilized swamp bog planks, added swamp bog planks and re signed and re blazed the Pond Trail loop that is off the Red Trail.
On 2/7, a 24 ft footbridge was installed to replace the metal plank canal bridge that the beavers took over at Batona mile marker 38 making the canal crossing safe.
And... on Saturday, 2/11, several OCSJ members assisted the Wharton staff with clipping the future Friendship Bogs Trail system which is slated to open on National Trails day in June. The Friendship Bog trails will connect to the Tulpehocken Trail.
Whew! Lots of trail work squeezed into a short month.
The work continues into March when will be adding more signposts with blazes within the FPP trail system, replacing a footbridge near the suspension bridge and repairing and shoring up the tilting bridge that connects one of the blue trails to the White Trail.
The work is being accomplished under the supervision of Russell Juelg, the Senior Land Steward of the Franklin Parker Preserve. The FPP is under the guardianship of the New Jersey Conservation Foundation.
A big Thank You to the trail crew for the many hours you put in on Trail Work Tuesdays and for the other days some of you worked "off club" on this FPP project. A special Thank You to crew member Vince who was able to obtain all the lumber we used at no cost and to Scott, Dan, Tammy and Joe McB who worked "off club" several days to repurpose an unwanted pool deck into swamp planks and footbridges saving the FPP hundreds of dollars.
- Ro Mason
Trail Maintenance Crew Leader |
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CYCLING NEWS
Cycling Chair: Paul Beatty |
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HIKING NEWS Hiking Chair: Becky Strickland |
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A couple reminders……..
Hiking in moderate temperatures as we’ve been having can be quite pleasant but the early warm up can bring out chiggers and ticks. Be sure to use bug repellent, stay on the trail and avoid grassy areas.
If you find you can’t attend a hike you signed up for, be considerate of your fellow members and the hike leader and change your reservation to ‘not going’. Some hikes limit the number of participants and ‘no shows’ prevent others from going on that hike.
Enjoy the outdoors, see you on the trail!
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Cross Country Skiing/Snowshoeing News
Cross Country Ski Chair: Barbara Brandt
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Scenery, Exercise, Comradery
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KAYAKING/CANOEING NEWS
Kayaking/Canoeing Chair:
Frank Pearce |
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Spring paddle season is getting closer. Are you ready? Check your PFD and see if it needs to be replaced. Has the winter weather created cracks in your canoe/kayak?
Your kayak paddles may be in good condition, but has dirt made them difficult to separate? A good cleaning and some silicone spray may be needed. Check your dry bags for leaks.
If you are new to paddling, three items of most importance are. #1 your PFD. Try it on, and make sure you feel comfortable and be aware there are models made specifically for women.
#2 Proper footwear. Improper footwear leads to most injuries. You want shoes that protect your toes and have good grip.
#3 A whistle that can be used to signal if there is a problem and It is something the Coast Guard requires on the Delaware for example.
Our leaders have trips ready to post. Don’t be left out. |
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BACKPACKING/CAMPING NEWS
Backpacking/Camping Chair:
Kevin Drevik
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Backpacking is getting ready to get "back in the swing" starting in April. We've got beginner, intermediate and advanced/strenuous hikes planned almost monthly. Sep will bring another beginner/intermediate hike.
- Apr 15 - 17: Three Day Backpack on the AT in Central Virginia: 15 miles, some hills
- May 20-21: Combination Beginners & Intermediate backpacking trip in New York: 8 miles Sat & 4 miles Sunfor intermediate. 4 miles in/out for beginners
- June 17-20: Four Day Backpacking Trip in New Hampshire: 19 miles in the mountains of New Hampshire
- July 8-12: Five Day Backpack the Appalachian Trail in the White Mountains of New Hampshire: Very Strenuous 27 miles of hiking in the White Mountains of New Hampshire
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Member Spotlight
Spotlight On: Becky Strickland by: Vera Stek |
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Thanks to people like Becky Strickland, the Outdoor Club is surviving and thriving. She enjoyed the benefits of belonging to the club for many years before deciding to take on the role of Hiking Chair this year.
An avid hiker and kayaker, Becky has traveled through much of the U.S. and Canada to enjoy outdoor activities. At home, she leads hikes for the Outdoor Club but “about half the hiking I do is with friends not associated with any club,” she said. “I enjoy it all.” |
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Here’s her story:
Q. Tell us about yourself.
BECKY: I’m the oldest of 6, grew up and went to college in Western PA. I’ve lived in NJ since I graduated from college. I'm a retired educator and live in Turnersville.
Q. When and why did you join the Outdoor Club? What benefits do you feel you’ve gained by belonging? What made you step up to become hiking chair? What are your responsibilities?
BECKY: I’ve been involved with the club off and on since 1985, and especially since 2000. In 1986 I went on a week-long hiking trip to Vermont with Joe Fiala and 8 other people. I love making friends with people who enjoy the outdoors.
I became Hiking Chair for the glamour (ha ha)! I decided to be Hiking Chair after realizing how hard our Board and Chairs work for the club. It was time for me to give back. The primary duty is managing the data base of hikes which is hilarious given my barely average tech skills. Many thanks to Diane and Ro Mason, Frank Pearce, Joe Fabian and the others who gave me advice and support. I'm enjoying learning things (tech-wise) I didn't think I could learn.
Q. What’s the farthest you’ve ever hiked? Do you have goals such as a certain miles per week or per year? Do you hike year round? Has the pandemic interfered with your hiking at all?
BECKY: The farthest is probably 10 miles, and my goal is to keep moving.
Q. What are some important hiking safety tips you can pass on? What’s your most important piece of hiking equipment? Any advice for newer hikers?
BECKY: My advice is the same everyone gives: carry water, wear proper shoes and dress in layers. A cooling towel is great for hot weather. I avoid the hottest and coldest days and don't like hiking in high wind. I guess those are safety tips.
Q. What are some of your favorite hikes?
BECKY: My favorite hikes are any done with friends. If there's a waterfall somewhere on the trail, all the better.
Q. Do you go on hiking or active vacations? Any places on your bucket list?
BECKY: I've hiked in all the Northeastern states and a little in Canada (both coasts) and in Oregon where my sisters live. On the Big Island of Hawaii where my niece lives I explored a lava tube. On a camping trip to Cape Breton Island many moons ago I saw a meteor shower that lasted for hours. Spectacular! (I don't like to camp, but I was much younger then!)
Q. What are some of your other interests?
BECKY: I'm an avid reader, mostly science related non-fiction. One of the first books I read after moving to NJ was John McPhee's "The Pine Barrens." I highly recommend it.
Q. What’s something about yourself that might surprise others to know?
BECKY: In the early 2000s I led kayak trips for the club. I'm not a particularly good paddler, and I'm not sure I knew what I was doing, but no one ever got lost or hurt and everyone was happy at the end of the day. One of the paddlers was a woman named Ruth who went to high school with John McPhee.
Q. Anything else you’d like to say about anything?
BECKY: I think the club is amazing! So many dedicated people, such a long history, so many opportunities to enjoy the outdoors, and to volunteer for the club! The club has evolved over the decades, getting better all the time.
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HISTORIC CAPE MAY
WEEKEND Friday to Sunday JUNE 2, 3,4 2023 |
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To start the summer season, you are cordially invited to join us for our annual Cape May outing. Our headquarters, as in years past, will be THE CHALFONTE HOTEL, 301 Howard Street, Cape May, New Jersey, 609-884-8409 or info@chalfonte.com.
LIMITED TO OCSJ MEMBERS -- Everyone staying at the Chalfonte Hotel must be an OCSJ member.
If you are joining this trip, please
- Click on the ATTEND BUTTON for the event on anyone of our meetup sites.
Ex. Biking Meetup Link to event on biking.
Ex. Hiking Meetup Link to event on hiking
Ex. Canoe Meetup Link to event on canoeing
If you change your mind, change your status to NOT GOING.
TO CONFIRM YOUR RESERVATION, please return the application with your payment. Due to the high response to this event, we will accept reservations with payment, as they are received by Jim.
CAPE MAY REGISTRATION 2023 (3-1-2023).pdf
If you have questions, please contact Jim Bodnar at 609 792 9573 or JRBodnar@verizon.net Check in any time after 3:00 PM on Friday; check out by midday on Sunday.
This is a perfect outing for all club members. In addition to our popular 15-30 mile bike rides, there are also other activities available. These include shopping on the mall, historic walking tours (guided or on you own), nature hikes, bird watching, local theater, or just sit and rock on the porch. You can also visit the Cape may Zoo or take a ferryboat ride to Lewes, Delaware, a quaint place to spend some time. Many of us attend a play on Friday after dinner.
Our weekend starts with a Friday night Welcome Buffet (a time to plan what you want to do). Breakfast is provided on both Saturday and Sunday.
On Saturday evening, there is a party on the porch with Hors D’oeuvres and drinks and then a limited menu dinner in the dining room followed by desert. |
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Corresponding Secretary
Maura Mawn |
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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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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One more reason to avoid ticks: The very tricky Alpha gal allergy
By OCSJ Member Carol Thompson |
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SEE END OF NEWSLETTER FOR LINK TO MORE INFORMATION |
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OFFICIAL OCSJ LOGO SHIRTS
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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.
The Grand Mileage Club - Hike 1000 miles per year. Report your mileage monthly to Jenny Buffington.
500 & 750 Mileage Club - Hike 500 or 750 miles per year. Report your mileage monthly to Ann Palaitis.
Kayaking Mileage Club - Kayakers report their miles annually to Frank Pearce. |
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"THE OCSJ MARKETPLACE" The Place to: BUY - SELL - GIVE - BORROW |
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Only newly added items will appear in the newsletter.
Submit your REQUESTS and OFFERS for publication in the next Newsletter and on our Website.
Include a description of the item you are requesting or offering, photos, price or terms of loan, and your contact information. All transactions will be conducted privately between the individuals.
**Please update when items are no longer available** Check the Website under Items for Sale. Click the link to see all Items:
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Wilderness systems kayak
12.5 tsunami, red
Like new condition, barely used
$750
Contact: Jesse Denton
2/13/2023 _______________________________________________________________ |
All of the following items are used, but in good condition : Take a look or make an offer.
Bike - Paniers, wall rack, Trek Racing bike -- large size bike
Bicycle wheel truing stand
Hiking - Backpacks
Kayaks - 10 ft LL Bean and 12 ft Perception w/skirt -
paddles - cover, kayak rack -
Cross country Skis and boots and poles - fits Mens sz 43-44
Fran Horn
CLICK FOR MORE
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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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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
Website/Computer/Social Media - Help Wanted - We are actively seeking someone with website/database/computer knowledge. Contact the OCSJ President, Joe Fabian at president@ocsj.org
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OCSJ follows and encourages practicing the
7 Principles of Leave No Trace |
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Like us on Facebook: Outdoor Club of South Jersey Follow us on Instagram: #outdoorclubsj
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