The SFEC held a meeting on Saturday May 11th at the Strathmere Fire House. In addition to the Annual Surf Fishing Tournament, the general meeting served as a forum to discuss several issues and upcoming events.
Scott Oliver read a letter from the SFEC to State Senator Robert Andrzejczak asking him to “support recent legislation introduced in the New Jersey Legislature to ensure and institute a statewide ban on the release of balloons for any reason.” Scott asked members to take a copy of the letter and mail to State Senator Andrzejczak in support of this ban.
A barge, 30 ft. wide by 100 ft. long, which was cut into 20 ft. sections, will be deployed at the Townsend’s Inlet Reef in Mid-May. Scott Oliver has generously offered to finance the complete deployment, in the amount of $5,000, in honor of his wife, Janice Ann.
On Saturday, May 25, and Sunday, May 26, the SFEC will sponsor a Milkweed plant sale at the Strathmere Firehouse from 10 AM to 2 PM. The SFEC Environmental Coordinator, Carol Ferguson, will be selling the Milkweed plants, at cost, for $3.00. The Milkweed plants will be coming this Thursday, May 16. You may pre-order by contacting Carol, at clfstrathmere@comcast.net.
The Herb Hollinger, Sr. Opening Day Flounder Tournament in scheduled for Saturday May 25th. The Tournament is open to all members and their families. No entry fee or sign-up is necessary. Fishing will be from 6 AM to 4 PM. Weigh-in will take place at Whale Creek Marina from 2 PM to 4:15 PM. Awards will be given out at 5 PM at the Firehouse where hot dogs and beverages will be served.
The SFEC wants to thank the Strathmere Volunteer Fire Company for permitting the SFEC to utilize the Strathmere Fire House as our meeting place. A donation of $1,200 was presented to Brian Riordan (to be delivered to Fire Chief Bruce Riordan) to show our appreciation for the continued use of the Firehouse.
The SFEC also sponsored and supported a very important cause. Rose Rhine spoke about C.A.R.A., Coalition Against Rape and Abuse, an organization in Cape May County that helps victims of domestic abuse. A hat was circulated for donations. Tax receipts were available.
The Annual Surf Fishing Tournament took place over Friday May 10th and Saturday May 11. Long-time SFEC member Chris Rodden took first place with a 15 ½-pound Bluefish caught on the Williams Avenue Beach front. Wayne Thomas took second place with a 5-pound Bluefish. It is worth noting that Wayne weighed-in a total of three fish for the tournament – great job Wayne! The SFEC wants to sincerely thank and recognize the support that we receive from our local businesses for helping us make this event possible. The SFEC wishes to thank Sea Isle Bait & Tackle, Boulevard Bait & Tackle, and Whale Creek Marina for their donations and efforts. In addition, we need to thank Stephanie Muller from “The Old Shack” on Commonwealth Avenue for providing a great spread of sandwiches and salads. The SFEC encourages all of our members to support these local businesses!!!