Catching Sun & Dunes on Sea Bright Beach

Video October 6, 2015 Elaine Van Develde

They were ready.

With the uncertain path of Hurricane Joaquin looming at the end of last week, the powers that be in Sea Bright, having been through the Sandy battle, prepared.

A makeshift wall of dunes was built along the shoreline of Sea Bright Public Beach and beyond to stave off stormy ocean water. And while Joaquin veered further east and out to sea, remnants of a nor’easter pelted the sands of the Sea Bright beaches and, as is common with any significant rainfall in the area, roads flooded.

Then the sun came out. And as temperatures hit the 70s today, dunes still intact, small-scale reminiscent of Mount Sandy, local summer lingerers headed to the beach.

Here’s what the scene was there. Beaching it tomorrow while the sun is out and temperatures permit?

(Be sure to click on the lower right icon to enlarge.)

— Elaine Van Develde

Local Life, News

Fair Haven: Saving Mucky McCarter Pond

October 6, 2015 Elaine Van Develde

The mucky state of McCarter Pond has pushed a passel of residents to try to get the Fair Haven governing body to find a better way to resolve the issue so people can see clear through the green, get the blob out and keep the longtime borough focal point functional.

It’s a matter that has been discussed at many a Borough Council meeting. Aerators have been installed to clear up what has become a meadow of tangled duckweed and algae.

But, residents have said, it doesn’t seem to be enough.

So, some got together on Sunday and formed a group to brainstorm fiscally prudent ideas and research remediation.

Here’s what Councilman Rowland Wilhelm had to say in a Facebook post on the matter …

“This past Sunday, concerned residents who live near McCarter pond got together to form the Friends of McCarter Pond. This group’s goal is halt and reverse the deterioration of something that is a large part of the fabric of this town and will work with regional groups and Fair Haven’s government to do so (Full disclosure: I was elected to council in 2010 and still hold office).

“It is our belief that F.H. governing body recognizes the problems with the pond and has addressed some issues (five aerators have been installed and a contractor hired to remediate the green blob (its actually primarily duckweed)).

“However, dredging still needs to be done; as many of you already know the south side of the pond is turning into a meadow. As such, we will endeavor to assist the town council by providing focused research and alternative remediation and financing ideas.

“Why are we posting to Facebook? Frankly, we need help and know that there are many of you out there who care about this important focal point of our town as deeply as we do.

“What are we looking for right now?

“Simply your name and email address. What will we do with this information? 1) we can anonymously show town government exactly how many people care and 2) put your name on an email list to keep you current on our efforts. We will NOT SELL your information or give it away. How do you get this info to us … Just message me here (on Facebook).

“Please help us save the pond!”

Yours,
Rowland Wilhelm and Friends of McCarter Pond

Note: The photo is one from a winter gallery of skating on the pond and does not represent the group.