President's Message Joe Fabian President@ocsj.org
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Before becoming president of the Outdoor Club of South Jersey, no one told me among my other duties would be addressing complaints from all comers. I have heard from a NJ Conservation Officer, non-members, members, fellow executive board members, board members at large,our activity chairs, activity leaders, etc. Wow. I am especially concerned about activity leaders receiving complaints from our members. Many of those complaints are unjustified and these activity leaders complain to me to do something about them. So here goes from my bully pulpit. We are a volunteer organization. Instead of complaining to the leaders and activity chairs, I suggest thanking them for their service. Almost without exception, they do a fine job! If they withdraw as leaders, we will have fewer events and more waitlists which will not be good for our organization's future.
On another topic, I wanted to thank Paul Beatty for his service as our cycling chair. Good job Paul. Keep coming on our rides. I recruited a non-OCSJ member to fill his big shoes. She is now a member. Our membership just increased. Her name is Linda McGrane, the former longtime President of the Bicycle Club of Philadelphia. Frankly, she is a ball of fire, passionate cyclist and hiker. We are lucky to have recruited her. We should anticipate her leading rides, promoting our club and perhaps teaching a safety class or two. We need to help her learn the ropes of our club. Her partner Alan is a lifelong bicycle mechanic known in bike slang as a wrench. Great fellow. I also have been in touch with a new class D and true C leader Wendell. Welcome aboard Wendell. We are on the cusp of spring so let's prepare for some great hiking, biking and kayaking. Sorry cross country skiers, but the snow is melting.
Have fun.
Joe Fabian,
President OCSJ
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Vice President's Message Barbara Berman vp@ocsj.org |
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TRAIL MAINTENANCE NEWS Trail Maintenance Representative Ro Mason romason@comcast.net |
The OCSJ Trail Crew has been multitasking in February. We trimmed and reblazed the Batona Trail in Brendan T Bryne SF in two different sections and trimmed the Mullica River Wilderness Trail in Wharton SF north and south of First Beach.
We also assisted NJ State Trail Stewards Allen Crawford and Eric McKinley with blocking unauthorized trails in Rancocas State Park.
By the time this newsletter is issued, we will have finally filled in some sink holes on the Batona Trail in the Franklin Parker section. We have been waiting for a good weather day. Pictures will be in the next newsletter.
Volunteer hours to date:
Oct 3, 2023 to Feb 20, 2024 1110 hours ! |
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HIKING NEWS Hiking Chair Becky Strickland becky.ocsjhike@gmail.com |
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Joe Fabian has said if you start thanking people, you may leave someone out. There are many people who have helped me be a successful Hiking Chair: our wonderful hike leaders, our members who make the events fun, theOCSJ board members who have been supportive. I have to specifically mention the Mason sisters - Di for her advice and for designing an amazing leader training curriculum, and Ro for managing the Trail Crew that keeps the trails passable. It takes a village!
Thanks also to those of you who have contributed items for our newsletter. This month Wendell Gulick shares his thoughts.
" I had a lot of fun planning and testing two trips last year; D&R canal trail to New Hope and then onto Goat Hill overlook, and what had been Joe H’s Philly Hike.
D&R canal trail to New Hope and then onto Goat Hill has scenic views of Delaware and cute shops in New Hope and Lambertville. Goat Hill climb is rewarded with two lookout points, one of which includes Washington’s rock. These lookout points were used by Washington and alternately by the British during the Revolutionary War as they provided a good view of the river valley. The Goat Hill section was based on Paul Baumhauer’s Altrail’s map.
For the Philly Hike, I came up with a turn by turn cue sheet from Paul Baumhauer’s Altrails map, and found more cute neighborhoods during test hikes with 2 club members, Sharon and Pat.
Philly hike includes Independence Mall, Penn’s Landing , some building art, Delancy Street, lunch art Schuylkill River Park and then elevated river walk, Penn athletic fields, rooftop park, Art museum and ends at Rittenhouse Square.
Then there are the mundane things like finding bathrooms ahead of time.
Next I may have two Philly hikes, one for the 3-3.5 mph hikers and one for more casual pace hikers.
Definitely need a 5 minute 'end lunch' whistle. "
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ACTIVITY CHAIR Frank Pearce hornet71@verizon.net |
All aendees at club acvies are required to sign the OCSJ Sign-in/Waiver form. This is mandated
by our insurance provider.
Leaders can $nd the waiver on the OCSJ Website under Policies/Forms.
The sign-in waiver should be sent to the appropriate acvity chair either by mail, fax, or E-mail
aachment no less frequently than quarterly. If the mail opon is not used, the leader should retain the
hard copy.
If the acvity chair is not available, the form can be sent to the Acvies coordinator
hornet71@verizon.net or someone designated by the Acvity Chair.
Note: Cycle leaders have the option of using the electronic waiver (known as e sign) or the paper sign in
sheet.
If using the e sign option, the leader must verify that the attendee has previously registered for the
activity
All aendees at club acvies are required to sign the OCSJ Sign-in/Waiver form. This is mandated
by our insurance provider.
Leaders can $nd the waiver on the OCSJ Website under Policies/Forms.
The sign-in waiver should be sent to the appropriate acvity chair either by mail, fax, or E-mail
aachment no less frequently than quarterly. If the mail opon is not used, the leader should retain the
hard copy.
If the acvity chair is not available, the form can be sent to the Acvies coordinator
hornet71@verizon.net or someone designated by the Acvity Chair.
Note: Cycle leaders have the option of using the electronic waiver (known as e sign) or the paper sign in
sheet.
If using the e sign option, the leader must verify that the attendee has previously registered for the
activity
All aendees at club acvies are required to sign the OCSJ Sign-in/Waiver form. This is mandated
by our insurance provider.
Leaders can $nd the waiver on the OCSJ Website under Policies/Forms.
The sign-in waiver should be sent to the appropriate acvity chair either by mail, fax, or E-mail
aachment no less frequently than quarterly. If the mail opon is not used, the leader should retain the
hard copy.
If the acvity chair is not available, the form can be sent to the Acvies coordinator
hornet71@verizon.net or someone designated by the Acvity Chair.
Note: Cycle leaders have the option of using the electronic waiver (known as e sign) or the paper sign in
sheet.
If using the e sign option, the leader must verify that the attendee has previously registered for the
activity
All attendees at club actvites are required to sign the OCSJ Sign-in/Waiver form. This is mandated by our insurance provider. Leaders can send the waiver on the OCSJ Website under Policies/Forms. The sign-in waiver should be sent to the appropriate actvity chair either by mail, fax, or E-mail an attachment no less frequently than quarterly. If the mail option is not used, the leader should retain the hard copy.If the activity chair is not available, the form can be sent to the Actvities coordinator, hornet71@verizon.net, or someone designated by the Activity Chair.Note: Cycle leaders have the option of using the electronic waiver (known as e-sign) or the paper sign in sheet.If using the e-sign option, the leader must verify that the attendee has previously registered for the activity. |
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CYCLING NEWS Cycling Chair
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CROSS COUNTRY SKIING/SNOWSHOEING NEWS Cross Country Ski Chair Barbara Brandt bbrandt46@gmail.com |
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KAYAKING/CANOEING NEWS Kayaking/Canoeing Chair Frank Pearce hornet71@verizon.net |
For most, paddling is a warm weather activity; however, a paddle in colder weather might be offered. If a cold weather paddle is offered remember the following policy. Paddling in Cold Weather Policy as approved by board will be: During months of November through March paddlers must wear wet or dry suits subject to approval of leaders.
Ira Grindlinger is one of our most knowledgeable paddle leaders. Here are his thoughts on paddling in the Winter,
WINTER PADDLING
When it comes to winter paddling, a lot of people probably just think, "Brrrr!!!--that's not for me. I'll just stay at home where I can be warm and cozy and sip hot chocolate in front of the TV or computer." But winter can actually be a wonderful time to paddle. A fresh blanket of white snow on a sunny day can make for a true winter wonderland, and Mother Nature's ice formations along the banks can be more beautiful than any crystal chandelier. The key to enjoying a winter paddle is to know how to keep warm and comfortable when it is chilly out. Here are some suggestions:
- Wear a drysuit or wetsuit if you have one (required on OCSJ trips from Nov. 1 thru March 31
- Waterproof gloves & waterproof shoes/boots are a must.
- If you don’t have waterproof gloves (neoprene, etc.), try large kitchen gloves over your regular gloves.
- Consider wearing light, thin glove-liners inside your heavy gloves.
- Consider using hand warmers, toe/foot warmers, and/or pocket warmers.
- Consider bringing hot beverage and/or hot soup, etc. in thermos(es).
- Consider throat lozenges.
- Bring sunglasses with cord to hold them on. (Polarized glasses are recommended.)
- Consider a neck gaiter or a balaclava type of hat (you may want to cover your face & nose--especially in the morning or if it is breezy).
- Don't worry about looking fashionable. Dress for the weather. Warmth is fashionable!
- The lunch-stop may be snow-covered; so, unless you want to sit in the snow or eat standing up or in your boat, bring something to sit on—lightweight folding camp chair, folding stool, plastic bucket, cushion, tarp, etc.
- Bring complete change of clothes--from head to feet--in waterproof container in your boat. No cotton! (Bring a second change of clothes to leave in your car.)
- Kayakers, if you have a spray skirt or spray cover, bring/use it (for extra warmth) even on flat water.
- If you keep your boat outside, don't wait until the morning of the trip to dig your boat out of the snow and ice.
As the saying goes, better to have something and not need it than to need it and not have it. If in doubt, bring it with you in the car; you can always leave it in your car if you decide in the morning at the put-in that you won't need it on the river.
Suggestion: If you are thinking about winter paddling but you have only paddled previously in warm/mild conditions, consider “working up to” cold weather paddling by paddling first in cool conditions (e.g., temps in the 50’s) if possible and testing your cold weather gear/strategies, then making adjustments as necessary and as the weather gets colder.
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BACKPACKING/CAMPING NEWS Backpacking/Camping Chair Kevin Drevik KDrevik@aol.com |
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MEMBER SPOTLIGHT BARBARA ROOBERG by Vera Stek verastek@verizon.net |
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OCSJ Spotlight on Barbara Rooberg
By Vera Stek
Having lived and traveled throughout a great deal of the world, Barbara Rooberg ended up right back where she started: in New Jersey. While she grew up in Central Jersey, when she came back to the state she ended up at the shore in South Jersey.
Throughout her life she’s enjoyed outdoor activities and is a frequent participant in club hikes, usually with her dog Milo. After she retired from her business, Barbara discovered the Outdoor Club was a great way to meet new people and get outside. And she continues her artistic pursuits.
Here’s her story:
Q. Tell us about yourself.
BARBARA: I was born right here in New Jersey, grew up in Iselin and graduated from JFK High School. I’ve also lived in Florida and Georgia, where my two sons were born, and currently reside in Bayville with my husband, Ron and my dog, Milo. In the 1990s I opened a stained glass shop, Shades of Glass, in Pt. Pleasant, where I specialized in custom work. After about 11 years I closed the store and continued to do stained glass work from a small studio in our house for about 10 more years.
Q. When and why did you join the Outdoor Club? What benefits do you feel you’ve gained by belonging?
BARBARA: After closing my business I actually had free time so the OCSJ was a natural way to meet new people and enjoy outdoor activities that I love. I’ve met many interesting people and have developed a couple of close friendships while hiking and paddling.
Q. What outdoor activities do you enjoy?
BARBARA: I’ve always loved walking, hiking and paddling out in the fresh air. When my sons were very young, I bought a tent and we started camping and occasionally canoeing. Thank goodness I set up the tent in my backyard the first time, or it would have been quite entertaining for my fellow campers. No need to say more. For a number of years I enjoyed downhill skiing on a regular basis until a knee injury created problems.
Q. You often hike with your dog. What kind of dog is it? What are some safety tips for hiking with a dog?
BARBARA: Milo is a Golden Retriever whom a number of OCSJ members have met. He LOVES to meet new people and to greet others that he’s met before. We hike year round, but less frequently and shorter hikes in the hot weather. He loves the cold and snow makes him positively gleeful, thinking he’s a puppy again. We love being the first hikers on a snow covered trail and will get out early just to do that.
Regarding safety, we must always keep an eye on our furry friends when hiking. I've learned that when Milo just stops on the trail and looks at me, it usually means that he is uncomfortable for some reason. It is very common for his long feathers to pick up pieces of cat brier on the trail, and they very rapidly get incredibly tangled in his fur which of course pulls and hurts. Dogs can also get burned pads on their feet in summer, as well as cuts at any time. I always carry a small emergency kit for Milo.
Q. Do you have hiking goals, such as a certain number of miles per year?
BARBARA: I take Milo out three times a day in addition to any hiking, with one longer walk mid day or mid afternoon. I kept track of my miles with the club for a while, but don’t any longer for no particular reason.
Q. Where are your favorite places to hike?
BARBARA: Any place with trees or beach to walk on. My favorite go-to hike close to home is the white trail at Wells Mills. Just beautiful. I am so fortunate to live within minutes of a number of great hiking areas and I believe I’ve hiked them all. Even during Covid I found places to hike where I wasn’t locked out.
I stick mostly within NJ, but have also enjoyed hiking on Cape Cod, in the Adirondacks along the Delaware, North Jersey.
Q. Do you go on active vacations? Any places on your bucket list?
BARBARA: We haven’t done much travel since Covid, but we do enjoy going up to the Adirondacks for a bit in the summer. We’ve done a number of cruises, Ron’s favorite vacation, taking us on voyages all over the world as well as here in the US. I’ve spent time on Guam visiting my son. Island life is very special. I have no real bucket list, but a river cruise on the Snake River is intriguing and I’d love to head back to New Zealand and Australia for a longer visit.
Q. What are some of your other interests?
BARBARA: I do a lot of gardening, reading, volunteer work, and am known to pick up a paintbrush and get creative occasionally.
Q. What’s something about yourself that might surprise others to know?
BARBARA: We lived for many years in Island Heights in an old Victorian which I painted in seven colors. Those who saw me painting would marvel that I sat on the porches for hours at a time with an artist’s brush painting the details varying colors, some to match the colors of the hydrangea planted in the front yard. When we sold it, the new homeowners painted everything white. I am certain the small but grand old Painted Lady was not happy.
Q. Anything else you’d like to say about anything?
BARBARA: I wish I had something profound to say, but sadly I don’t. I will quote Gandhi: “We must be the change we wish to see in the world.” |
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OFFICIAL OCSJ LOGO TSHIRTS |
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CORRESPONDING SECRETARY Maura Mawn mmawn@comcast.net |
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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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"THE OCSJ MARKET PLACE"
the place to BUY-SELL-GIVE-BORROW
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Check the Website under Items for Sale. Click the link to see all Items:
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Only newly added items will appear in the newsletter.
Submit your REQUESTS and OFFERS to: hornet71@verizon.net 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: Genuine Canada Goose Expedition Parka. Large. Very lightly used, excellent condition! $650 email deandrezner@gmail.com
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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
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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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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